MATAKESI Rugby, self described as “a bunch of boys from Papamoa who like beer and footy”, swooped to take out the men’s open division at the London Nines.
The touring Kiwi side monstered the United States’ Roots Rugby USA 18-4 in the final, played in sweltering conditions at London’s Chiswick Rugby Club.
They had played in the Edinburgh Sevens, running second, the previous weekend.
“We’re just a bunch of boys from Papamoa in New Zealand, Papamoa paradise,” player Luther Hirini said.
“We enjoy beers but we enjoy footy. We used it as a way for footy and beers to come together and we found ourselves over here enjoying an English summer.
“We’ve never played league before.”
A check of records show Matakesi Rugby to be a bit more serious than Luther might have us believe – it’s a registered company with Conor Hirini listed as a director.
Another specialised rugby festival organisation, Roots USA, retained their women’s title won in 2019 when they outpointed the Royal Navy 12-4 in the final.
And Wales’ Bangor Buffalos won the men’s social division, beating newcomers Albania 18-0 in the decider.
