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Black and White is back and so is the pride. |
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Written by Marty Sharpe
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Tuesday, 21 August 2007 |
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 The Hawke's Bay Magpies' soaring success in rugby's top division is fuelling a retail boom for bars and replica KooGa jerseys.
Having felled giants Wellington and North Harbour to stand third in the Air New Zealand NPC table, the Magpies are the toast of Napier and Hastings, with bars filling to the brim on game nights.
Hawke's Bay rugby union chief executive Mike Bishop said the team's success had had a huge impact.
"It's excellent. There's a real passion and pride in the province.
"The average crowd last year was around 6000.
"This year we've had 10,500 (against Wellington) and 9000 (against North Harbour).
"Next Thursday we're facing Auckland at home and I'm hoping we'll have around 10,000 there too."
It was hoped the wins would have sponsorship spin-offs and would result in a boost in the region's player numbers, Mr Bishop said.
The black-and-white striped jerseys were also making a dramatic comeback, he said.
"We've sold more Magpies KooGa merchandise in the last month than in all of last year.
"You just have to look around the stands at a game and see the number of people in the colours. There are plenty more than last year."
Brazenhead bar manager Sandy Moore said she had noticed a big increase in business on game nights.
"It's brilliant. The only busier nights we've had are when the All Blacks play Australia." |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 21 August 2007 )
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