Hon Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs

Speech to Maori Rugby Centenary luncheon

18 March 2010, Banquet Hall, Beehive.

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[Mihi]

NZPA Correspondent

Sydney, March 17 NZPA - New Zealand rugby sevens' supremo Gordon Tietjens has distanced himself from reports linking him to a coaching role at South Africa's Eastern Province.

By Chris Barclay of NZPA

Sydney, Feb 25 NZPA - Rugby folk heroes past and present make contrasting homecomings as their Super 14 franchises seek to maintain or change history in third round action this week.

Young rugby fans will have an extra reason to get out of bed early on the weekends next Sunday as Small Blacks TV returns to their screens for another bigger, brighter and better season.

Wellington, Feb 23 NZPA - Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains has joined the board of the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU).

He was elected to the board at its annual meeting in Dunedin last night.

Popular All Blacks, Highlanders and Southland halfback Jimmy Cowan has re-signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Rugby Southland through until the end of 2012, it was announced today.

Wellington, Feb 11 NZPA - Promising fullback Israel Dagg believes it is a make-or-break season for himself and the Highlanders as they prepare for their Super 14 opener against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Wellington, Feb 9 NZPA - "The Needle" turns 90 today, and rugby great Fred Allen's birthday will be celebrated with a civic reception hosted by Auckland Mayor John Banks.

Many rugby personalities will attend to honour the grand master of Auckland and New Zealand rugby.

Fred Allen will mark his 90th birthday today and the grand master of Auckland and New Zealand rugby will be honoured with a civic reception hosted by the Mayor of Auckland and attended by many rugby personalities.

Auckland City Mayor John Banks will tomorrow (Tuesday 9th) host a luncheon at the Town Hall to salute All Black and Auckland rugby great Fred Allen.

The luncheon coincides with Allen's 90th birthday and will be attended by many of New Zealand's sporting elite.