Rugby: Mementos sell out in online auctions

Northland Rugby Union's Ray Armstrong sorted through hundreds of rugby rags from the union's 93-year history, the items selling out on Trade Me.Photo/John Stone

Northland rugby memorabilia and training kit are bound to have found their way under Christmas trees after more than 300 Trade Me listings run by the rugby union sold.

In an effort to clear out old unused rugby programmes, the Northland Rugby Union (NRU) posted 315 auctions in the hope some people might relive their playing days and give the programmes a second, or third, life.

Originally the programmes were destined for a cardboard box to gather dust until NRU receptionist Katrina Williams decided to see if people were interested in them. And the response has been surprising for those at the office.

Commercial and marketing manager Alistair McGinn said everything had sold - except for damaged programmes which weren't listed - much to their surprise.

"We definitely didn't think everything would sell but it has been a really good response. We had people who had purchased about $1000 alone on programmes. There were mainly 20 people who were bidding," McGinn commented, noting there wasn't a particular region that purchased them - although the main buyer was from Auckland's Remuera.

"[Most of the programmes were] Northland against whoever so obviously the other team people would want them as well.

"It's better than sitting in a box and gathering dust for years, which is what it has been doing. But we did give a few away as well."

With the listings wrapping up last week, McGinn said the NRU had received Christmas cards from buyers thanking them for setting up the auctions.

"We had quite a few people asking questions if people were in teams. I think a lot must have bought them for people who played in those games and didn't have a copy of, which is good because a lot of people don't think of collecting programmes when you play - something to show the grandkids, you know."

The NRU also used Trade Me as a tool to market the sale of excess training gear from the 2013 ITM Cup squad, with some bargains on offer.

Normally retailing for $160, a few training jerseys were picked up for $40 while others went for around the normal price.

"We put up a few training jerseys and stuff because we only had a few left and it ended up going for the normal price.

"Some people got a few bargains. Someone got one for like $40 when they go for $160.

"The thing is I did a special [on Facebook] for $99, then put them on Trade Me and some of them sold for more."

If you bought a bunch of programmes from the NRU auctions, let us know on sports@northernadvocate.co.nz