Cullen an unsuspecting recruit

BY KATIE CHAPMAN

Christian Cullen didn't know what hit him.

The former All Black was at Arena Manawatu on Wednesday, accompanying visiting rugby players from Japan, when a crowd of Manawatu Bucketheads descended on the unsuspecting fullback and planted a lime green bucket firmly on his head.

Looking slightly stunned after, Cullen a former Manawatu player himself said he wasn't entirely sure who the gaggle in green were, although he guessed they were Manawatu supporters.

The Japanese visitors thought it was great, jumping into the fray to get photos with the group.

The group of bucket-wearing rugby fans were at the stadium preparing for tonight's big match against Otago, and they're hoping to recruit some new members.

The criteria to become a Buckethead aren't strict a bucket, a loud voice, and enjoying some cold beverages would make you the perfect candidate, Aaron Viles said.

Having been a Buckethead since the group's inception, Viles said the group was all about getting behind the team.

"We all just love Manawatu rugby, really."

And having been through countless buckets himself, he should know.

Many a helmet had been turned into a drinking vessel over the years, he said.

"Win or lose, on the booze."

New Buckethead recruit Neil O'Connor joined the group after coming to New Zealand from Ireland.

When asked to attend a rugby match while wearing a bucket, he thought it was a bit of a laugh.

"I want to integrate it back into Irish rugby when I go home."

For the others in the group, it's all about having a good time, drinking a few beers and meeting new people.

And there's one thing they had no doubt about, Dan Reidy said.

"The Turbos are going to win this year."

And just to make their point loud and clear, they left a Buckethead helmet in the Otago changing rooms.

* Get along and support our team: The Manawatu Turbos take on Otago at Arena Manawatu tonight at 7.35pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News