Two rugby superstars have donated their international playing jerseys to help with the upgrade of Nelson College’s main playing field.
Ireland winger James Lowe and All Black midfielder David Havili both played their school rugby at Nelson College and have donated jerseys to be auctioned at a special fundraising luncheon this Friday.
James’ jersey is from the recent test series in New Zealand where Ireland beat the All Blacks in a series for the first time. David’s jersey is from the Bledisloe Cup win in Melbourne where the All Blacks scored a last-minute win over Australia.
Funds raised from the jerseys will go towards the up-keep of the playing field which is currently being upgraded thanks to the efforts of five local businessmen who have arranging funding for the $185,000 upgrade.
However, as part of the group’s commitment to the school, the on-going maintenance costs will also be covered for the next five years so there is no financial burden on the school.
Event organiser Shane Drummond says the jerseys will be auctioned at the luncheon this Friday but bids from those not in attendance are most welcome. “Anyone who’d like to bid on these can send a bid to me via email, these will go for many thousands of dollars so we’re hoping to see some big bids come through. These will be awesome assets for someone.”
Also up for grabs is a full training strip including jersey, shorts, socks and boots from All Black Shannon Frizzell and a signed Crusaders jersey from 1998, the year the Crusaders won the Super rugby competition for the very first time with a thrilling last minute try against the Blues in Auckland.
Tickets for the luncheon are sold out but bids for the items can be made by emailing shane@carcompanynelson.co.nz
