The Rotorua Charity Luncheon has hit gold with the addition of a limited edition All Blacks jersey signed by former captain Richie McCaw.
The size small replica playing jersey has in golden stitching on a sleeve the Webb Ellis Cup along with the years of the three Rugby World Cups won by New Zealand: 1987, 2011 and 2015.
It will be part of the live auction at the luncheon.
Event organiser Don Gollan said All Blacks memorabilia was always very popular.
"It's well-sought after and will increase interest in the event ... he's a legend in people's minds and there's lots of collectors of All Black memorabilia who would be keen to bid on it."
Rotary Rotorua Sunrise trustee Mike Bannister will frame the jersey for the auction.
"Since after the Rugby World Cup and when Richie retired he hasn't been providing items. This is unique for the jersey to be available to be auctioned," he said.
The jersey is not the only Richie McCaw item to be auctioned off.
Rotary Rotorua Sunrise member Mike Bannister (left) and Rotorua Charity Luncheon event organiser Don Gollan with the limited edition All Blacks jersey signed by Richie McCaw. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
McLeods Booksellers has donated a hardback copy of McCaw's retrospective
Richie McCaw 148
which has also been signed by the man himself.
Getting McCaw's signature on the jersey and book was organised through the MC for the luncheon, radio commentator Paul Allison, who knows McCaw's manager.
Mr Gollan said he has written a letter of thanks to McCaw and sent an open invitation to McCaw and his fiancee, Black Sticks player Gemma Flynn, to attend the event.
Other auction items included five laps in a Lamborghini at Hampton Downs and entry for two people in the NZME broadcasting box at Forsyth Barr Stadium for a Super 15 match.
The luncheon, organised by the five Rotorua Rotary clubs, will take place on November 11 at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.
Mr Gollan said around two-thirds of the tickets had been sold for the event. He encouraged people to get along.
"It's a good day, it's thoroughly enjoyable. It's a good opportunity for the five Rotary clubs to co-ordinate and make a difference."
The guest speaker is former Olympic rower and 2016 New Zealand Olympic chef de mission Rob Waddell, with other Olympians and Paralympian guests confirmed.
