MPs challenge diplomats in the name of charity

KENT BLECHYNDEN/ The Dominion Post

IN THE THICK OF IT: Spanish Ambassador, centre, Marcos Gomez during the game between the parliamentarians and the diplomats.

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Spanish Ambassador Marcos Gomez laid down a rugby challenge in the name of diplomatic relations – and the Parliamentary rugby team responded with a resounding 27-0 victory.

The parliamentarians and diplomats swapped suits for rugby clobber for a one-off match in aid of Samoa's tsunami relief fund at Prince of Wales Park in the Wellington suburb of Mt Cook last night.

The diplomats represented 13 of Wellington's embassies and high commissions. Labour MP Damien O'Connor said playing in the cross-party team was the best show of parliamentary unity "you'll see anywhere".

National list MP, and former Maori All Black, Paul Quinn, barked instructions as "waterboy" for the parliamentarians. Before the match, he was unconcerned about the score. "As long as we win who cares. It's all about winning."

Weight-losing wonder Chester Borrows, National, despite his slighter frame, managed to bury an opposition diplomat with a huge hit.

Proceeds from the sale of rugby jerseys to the embassies involved will go to Samoa's tsunami relief.

Mr Gomez said he hoped the fixture would become an annual event.

- © Fairfax NZ News