Kids disappointed by cancellation of Lions outings

Manawatu is the latest province to be let down by the touring Lions, who have cancelled a number of public outings planned for Palmerston North.

Lions players were expected to visit three schools and the children's ward at Palmerston North Hospital on Tuesday as part of their Manawatu visit.

But Lions management yesterday confirmed there would be no public appearances.

The move comes a week after the tourists cancelled public engagements in Dunedin and Invercargill.

New Zealand Rugby Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said last week that while it was disappointing the tourists were cancelling their off-field visits they were not part of the tour agreement.

Cloverlea Primary School principal Kevin Payne said it was upsetting for the children that the rugby stars would not be showing up, but the visit was always subject to confirmation and the Lions had never promised they would make it.

The school had organised to have its two top Small Blacks teams play each other.

The fixture will still go ahead, even though none of the Lions will be there.

The kids are disappointed.

"I didn't think it was very cool," said 10-year-old Amy Burch. "I just wanted someone to come."

Greer Mahoney, nine, wanted to see star five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson.

She has a t-shirt with signatures from the Flyers netball team and Olympic gold medallists Sarah Ulmer and Hamish Carter, and was hoping to get some more.

Daniel Smith-Kavana, 10, said he wanted to see Welsh first-five Stephen Jones.

"I really wanted to see someone famous," he said.

Destination Manawatu events organiser Stu Baker said the cancellations were a huge disappointment and could affect crowd turnout. However, there was a plan B organised in case the Lions pulled out, he said.

"It will be a celebration of Manawatu rugby -- it will heavily promote the Palmy Army and all Manawatu stuff."

He said the Lions needed to learn the finer points of touring.

"The point is to meet and mingle with the New Zealand public.

"They have a huge squad of 45 people. What are the ones doing that aren't playing -- chilling in a hotel in Auckland?"

He said the Lions should be getting involved with the communities they visited because rugby in New Zealand meant more than winning a test match.

"They should be out meeting the kids, and sharing in these unique opportunities. I mean, come on, that's what it's all about."

- nzpa