Coasters want to reciprocate Canterbury's support

AMY GLASS

Last updated 11:34 11/05/2011

 

West Coasters are calling for Canterbury rugby and league players to take part in a sevens tournament to help earthquake-hit Christchurch residents.

John Olsen and Adam Gilshnan yesterday invited rugby and league teams to join the Codes Unite for Christchurch rugby sevens competition in Greymouth on June 6.

Olsen said Canterbury had helped the West Coast during last year's Pike River coalmine tragedy, and Coasters wanted to return the support.

The tournament requires 16 teams, and 13 West Coast teams have registered so far. Gilshnan said. Christchurch teams would be welcome, as would people who wanted to attend the festival.

Teams could be serious or fun, the tournament would have cup, bowl and plate competitions, and 41 games would be played.

Olsen said the organisers hoped to raise up to $15,000 through businesses sponsoring games and receiving "naming rights" for matches.