Rugby World Cup - Pool A Pub Crawl
Kia Ora Members!
Poisoned in 1995, our games taken from us in 2003, and 2007 still too fresh to talk about... and all this after we started the tournament in the first place!
After 24 years the Rugby World Cup finally returns to NZ - and where are we? - in Hong Kong !! But don't worry, the New Zealand Society has been looking out for you, and is kicking off the first phase of the Rugby World Cup festival with a medley of venues for you to watch the New Zealand pool games in the amicable company of opposing team rugby supporters.
NZ Pool Game 1: NZ v Tonga Friday 9 September, Kick-off 4.30pm HKT
RWC Opening Ceremony starts 3.30pm
Venue: V13 Vodka Bar, 13 Old Bailey Street, SoHo
The Cup kicks off with NZ playing that rugby Powerhouse of the Pacific Isles, Tonga. Wondering who to watch the game with? We've been thinking about this for you and have located one of the few Tongans in town - and better yet he happens to run a bar!
The V13 Vodka Bar is a convivial bar, with big screens to watch the games. Every game will be shown and they are offering happy hour prices (40% off) during all RWC games and then until 9pm. In addition NZSHK members can get 30% off drinks at all other times and food at a 20% discount.
This will be a great place with a great atmosphere to kick off the Rugby World Cup with the Opening Ceremony and the opening NZ v Tonga game. Located just around the corner from McSorleys, one of NZSHK's regular RWC venues.
NZ Pool Game 2: NZ v Japan Friday 16 September, Kick-off 4.00pm HKT
Venue: to be confirmed
In conjunction with a Hong Kong based Japanese rugby team, we are organising a venue where supporters from both sides can get together to watch this game. We'll update you with details of this venue in the next few days - watch this space.
We'll be honest with you, we can't guarantee that John Kirwan will actually turn up to watch the game with us, but at least both groups of supporters should recognise him in the post-match run down.
NZ Pool Game 3: NZ v France Saturday 24 September, Kick-off 4.3 0pm HKT
Venue: White Stag, 54-62 Lockhart Road, Wanchai
3rd time unlucky - we hope! If you want an opportunity to watch the rugby, practice your French and discuss the finer things in life, such as what makes the perfect forward pass, then come down to the White Stag in Wanchai.
As some of you might already know (to your cost) the White Stag is a regular haunt of French rugby players in Hong Kong. They know we are coming and we'll update you with details of special offers to NZSHK members later.
NZ Pool Game 4: NZ v Canada Sunday 2nd October, Kick-off 10.30am HKT
Venue: Pure Bar & Restaurant, 2/F Kinwick Centre,
32 Hollywood Rd, SoHo
100% PURE NZ? No, just Pure (except for a bar load of Canadians), with the most big screens in SoHo. A venue popular with Canadians in Hong Kong where you can sit and watch the game with them and discuss anything that you have in common, and maybe also the rugby. But be warned, this is not for the faint at heart - given the way the odds are offered on this game there may well be rioting in the streets afterwards.
The NZSHK has organised an exceptional deal for members to brunch while they watch this, the finale of the NZ's pool games. A huge breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup and free flow NZ beer and Canadian Molson lager between 10 am and 12 noon to wash it all down with. In addition there will be an exclusive reserved seating area for participatingKiwi's and Canadians with prizes of Team Jerseys. All this for just $308 per person.
We will circulate details on how to sign-up for this excellent deal shortly, but spaces will be limited so if you want to ensure your name goes at the top of the list please email your interest to: kiwi@nzshk.org
Of course, in addition to the above, NZSHK members can always enjoy 15% discount on food and beverage purchases at all Eclipse outlets including McSorley's Ale House in SOHO and Grand Central Bar and Grill at Elements in TST.
See you at the rugby!