Rugby Players Nude

A decision by the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union to prevent the Magpies performing pre-match haka may be the reason the team's coach is under fire, says the man who taught its players the powerful Tika Tonu.

The Hawke's Bay Magpies' plans to use the Ngati Kahungunu haka as a focus of pre-match preparation were ditched last year after allegedly being vetoed by union management.

The apparent ban has angered Tamatea rugby club president Don Hutana who taught the team the haka at the invitation of team coach Brendon Ratcliffe and members of the squad early last year. The side was hoping to make amends for its loss to Nelson Bays in the NPC second division final the previous season.

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CBSB Holly Jolly Christmas Classic on Dec. 16-18 at South Side Youth Baseball Complex. This will be a non-sanctioned tournament, three games guaranteed. Info: Ross L. Robles at 563-4497 or www.leaguelineup.com/coastalbendselectbaseball.com.

CC Heat Baseball Tournament is Dec. 1-3 at West Side Pony fields. Open to all age groups. T-ball, 6U: $150; coach-pitch 8U: $150; 10U, 12U, 14U: $225, JV-Varsity: $250. Conatct Ross L. Robles at 563-4497, Earl De Los Santos at 739-2215 or rossmicester@ aol.com

Christmas Pro Camp will be during the Tuloso-Midway Warrior Christmas Shootout 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Instructors will include former major leaguers Ben Van Ryan, Joe Orloski and Shane Mack. Price: $10 per player or $75 per teams of up to 12 players. Contact Gary Wallace at 980-0774 or 876-9607.