Same head, new body for NPC mascot

Rory the Stag. Picture / Wairarapa Times-Age

Rory the Stag will be back for Wairarapa-Bush's NPC third division rugby final in Masterton on Saturday.

However, a new person will don the mascot's head after the last man was banned over an antler accident.

Rory's antlers accidentally caught a touch judge in the face last Saturday during the semifinal against Buller, leaving the official bleeding and requiring treatment.

The referee sent Rory from the field but not before he was seen making an obscene gesture in reply.

Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union chief executive Phil Taylor said yesterday there would be a new person inside the stag's head for the final against Horowhenua-Kapiti.

Rory would run out on to the field at the start of the game but would not be running up and down the touchline during the final.

The previous person would not be stopped from watching the game.

"We're dealing with it in our own way," Taylor said.

- NZPA