‘Guess Who’ campaign launched

The Southland Charity Hospital has launched its ‘Guess Who’ campaign on social media, to tease the players set to appear at Pack the Park 2020.

To thank those who have supported its cause, the charity hospital will bring the event to Invercargill’s Rugby Park on 17 October. The game will also commemorate the first anniversary of the death of cancer care advocate Blair Vining. The game will see the Blair Vining Invitational XV will take on the ITM Invitational XV.

Big names announced

Already some star names have been announced. Former All Blacks coach, Sir Graham Henry, will helm the Blair Vining Invitational XV (alongside Blair’s great friend, Chris Cairns). Meanwhile, champion heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker and former All Blacks star Israel ‘Izzy’ Dagg will lead the ITM Invitational XV. The Blair Vining Invitational XV will be captained by radio personality, The Rock Morning Rumble’s Bryce Casey. Captain of the ITM Invitational XV will be popular television host Matt Watson, from The ITM Fishing Show. The public has been having fun guessing the rugby players who will also take part.

‘Guess Who’ campaign hits social media

The Southland Charity Hospital promises the line-up won’t disappoint. It’s ‘Guess Who’ social media campaign has begun dropping hints about some of the legends fans can expect to see on the day.

Three clues will be released about a selected player throughout the week. The big reveal will happen on the Southland Charity Hospital’s Facebook page every Thursday night.

“A couple of the boys, who were great friends of Blair’s, have really taken it upon themselves to wrangle some fantastic players for us,” charity hospital board member Melissa Vining says. “I still can’t get over how many of them are so willing to give their time and energy to come out of retirement, lace up the boots and put their bodies on the line for the Southland Charity Hospital’s cause. I’m so grateful that so many people want to be part of saying thank you to the community of the deep south.

“We’ve got an amazing mix of fan favourites taking part, and I hope people love following along and guessing who is set to play,” she says.

Those who correctly guess each player go in the draw to win a signed jersey.

Get ready for Pack the Park 2020

The Pack the Park game at Rugby Park on October 17 will be followed by gala dinner The Aftermatch. Hosted by TW Events & Incentives at Bill Richardson Transport World, television personality Scotty Stevenson will preside over a sold-out crowd of 700. The event sold-out mere hours after tickets went on sale.

Don’t miss out – get your tickets today

Pack the Park will be the curtain-raiser to the Mitre 10 Cup fixture that will see Southland take on Taranaki. General admission to the terraces is free. GA and grandstand tickets are now available at  ILT Stadium Southland or Ticketek.co.nz. Meanwhile, sales will also be available on the day. However, the charity hospital is expecting a capacity crowd.

To find out more – and to follow the Guess Who campaign – follow the Southland Charity Hospital on Facebook.