The upcoming Mitre 10 Cup fixture between the Counties Manukau Steelers and Wellington Lions on Friday 9 September at ECOLight Stadium in Pukekoheat 7:45pm will have a special touch.
Both sides will be honouring the life of Jonah Lomu, by playing in the inaugural Jonah Lomu Memorial Trophy Match. Lomu was a proud Counties and Wellington man and he was a stand out for both provincial unions. He played 28 games for Counties Manukau between 1994-1999 and 21 games for Wellington between 2000-2003.
The “Number 11” Jonah Lomu Memorial Trophy will go on the line every time Counties Manukau and Wellington meet in the future.
Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union CEO Andrew Maddock said Friday night’s match will be a very special event.
“We are honoured to be able to host the inaugural Jonah Lomu Memorial Trophy Match at ECOLight Stadium. Jonah’s contribution to Counties was and still is immense. We are proud that rugby’s first international superstar started here.”
Wellington Rugby chief executive Steve Rogers said:
“Jonah was an icon of New Zealand Rugby wherever he went and whichever team he played for. As a union Wellington are proud and privileged that Jonah Lomu wore our province’s colours with the same pride and distinction that he did for Counties Manukau.
“He was a role model both on and off the field during his time in Wellington and loved by fans, players and peers alike.
“We are honoured to be able to contest a trophy that bears Jonah’s name and there is no doubt it will become a valued part of history of both provinces in the years to come.”
The Counties Manukau Steelers will be wearing special edition jerseys against the Wellington Lions for Friday night’s match. The jerseys are based on the one that was worn by Jonah Lomu and his team mates in the 90’s.
Make sure to get your tickets for the fixture. Tickets are available for purchase at www.iticket.co.nz or at the CMRFU Office at ECOLight Stadium between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Friday or at the Gate on Game Day. Gates open at 4:30pm, with the Farah Palmer Cup taking centre stage as the Curtain Raiser.
The Counties Manukau Heat take on Wellington at 5:05pm.
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