Rugby shows its caring side in Wellington
This month sees the eagerly awaited debut of a new rugby tournament on the already busy playing calendar with the inaugural Wellington International Club Tens in Wellington, New Zealand. The tournament takes place the same week the IRB World Sevens Series bandwagon rolls into town and is sure to be a colourful addition for fans and players alike. Perhaps the most interesting side that will be lining up in Wellington will be the World Fantasy Rugy All Stars. Club owner Kevin Hare claims his side are the world's first internet based rugby team proudly declaring that he has only met three of his seventeen man squad, the others he will meet for the first time when he picks them up from the airport! Six players are set to arrive from Australia, three more are flying in from Wales after a weekend watching their opening Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin, with the cosmopolitan squad being rounded out with players from the USA and New Zealand. However, Kevin's team's efforts have taken on more significance than was originally planned. "We had initially been formed as a fun social team but since the events of September 11 in New York City this team has a totally new and honest focus," declared Kevin. Picture - WFR RFC owner Kevin Hare collects a signed shirt from Hurricanes skipper Gordon Slater. "The WFR All Stars are now getting together to help, to raise funds for our recipients who are the McShane Family of New York USA. Terence McShane responded to the World Trade Centre [WTC] attack with members of Ladder Company 101 from Red Hook, Brooklyn on the morning of Sept. 11 and was among the missing from the FDNY. Terry was a 2-year veteran of the FDNY after having been a member of the NYC Police department for over 10 years and rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was recovered from the WTC 7 weeks later." McShane, 37, began his rugby career at age 14 with the Suffolk Celtics, Long Island NY (1978-1982). He then went off to college and played for Siena College (1982-1986) and was a member of two New York State championship teams. Upon graduation, Terry who is a native of Deer Park, NY, returned to Long Island to play for Amityville RFC (1986-1992) and then Rockville Centre Rugby (1992-1997). Most recently, Terry was a member of the Long Island Old Boys after LIRFC and RVC merged. McShane was a tough competitor and devoted teammate to those he played with and a respected member of the Rugby community. He left behind his wife of nearly 10 years, Cathy and their three sons - Aidan 7, Colin & Sean, 4 ½ year old twins. "We are to have before a fundraising event before the tournament to raise funds for the McShane family by way’s mainly of an auction of rugby memorabilia kindly donated by Number 11 Management, Jonah Lomu, Todd Blackadder, Colin Meads, Andy Leslie, Graham Mourie, Andy Moore, Sir Brian Lochore and the New Zealand Rugby Museum. Also Radioworks who run “The ROCK FM” and “The Breeze” Radio Stations who have provided us with airtime to promote our fundraising event which is to take place on the at this stage on the 5th February 2002. We also would like to give a special acknowledgement to Sir Brian Lochore on endorsing the WFR All Stars R.F.C by accepting the position of Honorary President." So the WFR All Stars R.F.C are here and we would appreciate your help if you have any rugby memorabilia to offer to their auction or would like to assist the team by making a donation. You can contact the WFR All Stars at rugbyunion@paradise.net.nz or check out their website below at http://www.worldfantasyrugby.com/AllStars/ and follow their progress at http://www.wellingtontens.com. Latham to miss tour? PNG grabs advantage Leinster smash Swansea Beziers edge out Neath Oakley grabs his opportunity.

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