Grassroots rugby clubs in the Far North have been given an opportunity to capitalise on a global initiative courtesy of a rugby website.
In answer to the accommodation shortfall during this June and July, the people behind International Rugby Club (IRC) have created a novel initiative which, they claim, will not only provide global rugby fans with a truly authentic Kiwi experience, but also raise sought after funds for local rugby clubs around New Zealand.
Bring Back Billeting is quite simply a throwback to the good old days when many of us stayed with local families while on sporting trips, IRC spokesman and co-founder Tony Molloy said.
As a fellow founding member of the IRC, All Black great Buck Shelford said some of his greatest memories were made when players stayed with host families on rugby trips.
"They welcomed us into their homes, fed us and we often became friends," Shelford said.
"It was just good old kiwi hospitality, or manaakitanga."