Rugby’s a scrum, pass it on

The British Lions might not be coming to Palmerston North next winter, but the city is still planning to put on the greatest scrum of all.

A world record-breaking scrum attempt will be a feature of the city’s first themed winter festival at the end of June 2017.

Development of the festival builds on an idea put forward by former city councillor Billy Meehan for the city to stage an event between the British Lions matches in Wellington to draw in tourists.

Palmy Unleashed co-ordinator Sam Kershaw said a minimum of 1556 participants would need to be found to lock the scrum together.

The call would go out to the community, schools, businesses, sports groups and tour parties to make up the numbers.

The festival programme kicks off with a showcase rugby match at Central Energy Trust Arena.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School against St Pat’s Silverstream is confirmed for the curtain-raiser, with a Defence Force match against a touring United Kingdom side on the cards as the main event.

In town, George St is likely to be closed off for dining, entertainment and a night market, complementing a Thursday night street feast in The Square.

Other aspects of the festival designed to get visitors to stay longer and spend more include a ‘‘Taste of Palmy’’ dining experience and ‘‘Manawatu Passport’’ packages for bus tours and independent travellers through until July 6.

Festival working group chairwoman Leonie Hapeta said more than 2000 visitors were expected to tour the New Zealand Rugby Museum during the two days between Lions matches, and it made sense to prepare a welcome.

The festival coincides with a rugby conference, The World in Union, at the New Zealand Rugby Museum and Sport and Rugby Institute.

The conference will involve an international array of rugby academics, practitioners and educators.

The Lions play the Hurricanes in Wellington on June 27, before taking on the All Blacks in the second test of the three-match series on July 1. extending