October 28, 2022
Aotearoa in with chance in disabled rugby cup
A special group of New Zealanders hopes to bring a world cup home after this weekend.
Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa is one of four teams in the first Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup being played in the UK.
Coach Raymond Greaves, of Ngati Tara and Te Whanau Pani says about half the squad is Maori, and the kaumatua is league legend Kevin Tamati.
They has lost narrowly to Wales 26 to 28, edged out Australia 34 to 26,and now take on a strong England side.
But Raymond Greaves says it’s been a great experience for the players, some who have significant disabilities.
“Who are we to tell anybody they can’t do what other people do? That’s not our right to say that. Its our right to build our whaikaha community up and allow them to shine on the workd stage like everybody else does,” he says.
The tournament final will be played at 8.30am New Zealand time Sunday, with the earlier, playoff game, at 3am.