Touring Argentinian rugby teams to play Waikite Rugby Club

Argentinian Club Atletico y Progresso de Brandsen.

It's Waikite Rugby versus Argentinian Club Atletico y Progresso de Brandsen in Rotorua tomorrow night. A visiting delegation from Club Atletico y Progresso de Brandsen and consisting of 79 people and three teams, is touring New Zealand and Australia and while in Rotorua, will play three friendly pre-season matches.

Toro Sports Management chief executive officer Gabriel Morales said the international rugby event was part of a bigger plan to see more players from Rotorua making the NPC and Super Rugby competitions.

"Our local rugby clubs have been telling us Rotorua hasn't had many of the achievements that were seen in the 1980s so this is a great opportunity to promote local rugby.

"We want to see more players from Rotorua included in the NPC and Super Rugby competitions and gaining overseas contracts. By bringing offshore clubs to Rotorua is a great way to promote the sport."

The event includes a powhiri that starts at 6pm and will be followed by three games of rugby. A hangi and celebration will be held afterward. It is open to the public with a $10 fee for the hangi.

Morales said it was hoped the event would become an annual one of "epic proportions".