The Rumble in Russell, a charity fundraiser for Rugby for Life, saw politicians face off against a Northland invitational side, the Russell Penguins, which included former All Blacks. The event, now in its second year, has become a significant fixture in Northland’s sporting calendar, drawing a crowd of just under 1200 people to the Russell Sports Club.
The main rugby match featured the Parliamentary Rugby Team against the Russell Penguins. The Penguins, captained by former All Black Taine Randell and coached by Ian “Kamo Kid” Jones, ultimately secured a 22-10 victory, retaining the Graham Thorn Cup. Russell Sports Club president Peter Stuart highlighted the event’s importance for the small community, noting that a significant portion of the town’s permanent residents are club members.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts, captain of the Parliamentary side, acknowledged the challenge his team faced. He humorously stated that the only criteria for joining his squad were the ability to walk unaided and no hip operation in the past six months, given the team’s average age. Watts emphasised the community and charity aspects of the event, expressing satisfaction with the turnout and the opportunity for Parliamentarians to contribute.
The event also included a netball match between Parliament’s Parly Ferns and a Russell invitational side. Tukituki MP and Parly Ferns captain Catherine Wedd commented on the game, stating that the score was not reflective of the effort and participation. The local Russell team won the netball match 53-19, securing the newly minted Dame Jenny Shipley Cup, named after the former Prime Minister and current Russell resident, who was seen cheering for the home side.
Several participants shared their experiences. Northland MP Grant McCallum, who last played serious rugby in 1991, expressed reluctance about returning to the field but acknowledged the event’s importance as a fundraiser. TVNZ sports presenter Andrew Saville, despite previous injuries in the 2024 match, was preparing to play again, citing camaraderie and the chance to legally challenge a Parliamentarian as motivators.
Rewi Spraggon, known as the Hāngī Master, was relegated to the sideline due to a hamstring injury sustained during warm-ups. Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones also watched from the sideline, with family members representing him on the field for the Parliamentarians. Jones noted that due to stormy weather cancelling flights from Wellington, the entire squad had to travel by bus, delaying their arrival.
The game saw some injuries, with Sports Minister Mark Mitchell breaking two ribs during a tackle. Despite this, he remained in good spirits, noting the tough contest and the spirit in which the game was played. Veteran MP Greg O’Connor, who is 68, also participated, stating he would continue playing as long as he could. He considered not breaking anything a victory in itself.
Russell Penguins captain Taine Randell expressed his delight at his side retaining the trophy. He commented on the game’s rules, which involved a lot of running, and the surprisingly mistake-free display from his team, which scored four tries to the opposition’s two. Randell, who is standing in an upcoming election, acknowledged a potential dilemma for the 2028 rematch, as he could be eligible for both the Parliamentary and Russell teams. He expressed a soft spot for the Russell Penguins, considering them the defending champions.
Rugby for Life deputy chairman Riki Kinnaird explained that the charity aims to support clubs and communities through sport. He noted that the Rumble is held every two years, as it takes time for participants to forget the intensity of the game before committing to play again. The Parliamentarians will have another opportunity to challenge the Russell Penguins when the event returns in 2028.
Mark Mitchell later confirmed he had broken two ribs during the charity match and was taken to hospital by his wife. He was back in Wellington by Monday, requesting well-wishers to avoid sending humorous messages due to the pain associated with laughing and coughing with broken ribs. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also commented on the event, humorously suggesting that many players, including Andrew Saville and Shane Jones, might be feeling the effects of the game.
Source: rnz.co.nz
