Stage set to crown the 2021 NZ Barbarians U85 Club Cup winner
20 November 2021Inglewood will be host to the much anticipated 2021 NZ Barbarians Under 85 Club Cup Final today, as the Carisbrook Bush Pigs and local-side NZ Forestry Tukapa Bantams battle it out for the national title.
Following a tumultuous competition that has been impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, and subsequent team withdrawals, the remaining two sides will come face-to-face at TET Stadium & Events Centre at 4.30pm, following the Bunnings NPC Championship Final between Taranaki and Otago.
Carisbrook Bush Pigs Head Coach, Thomas Grant, said the team was excited to get out there and play.
“A lot of these lads have never played a game on tv before, so that’s a massive thing. We’re committed to the cause and we’re fizzing to play in the grand final.
“The competition has brought multiple lads back into rugby and it’s awesome to see the job the Bushies have done in establishing interest in 85s in Otago. We’ve already had a lot of interest for next year.”
Head Coach of home-side NZ Forestry Tukapa Bantams, Nathan Lawrence, said the team was focussed and training had been good in the build up to today’s final.
“The boys have enjoyed the season and they’re all really excited and rearing to get out there and play a bit of footy.”
Waikato’s Nico Fox has been appointed to officiate the Final, alongside Assistant Referees Nate Hopkins and Simon Edmonds.
Proudly supported by New Zealand Barbarians Rugby Club, the second edition of the U85 Club Cup saw 45 men’s under 85kg teams from 12 Provincial Unions compete in a regional knock-out competition - culminating in today’s national final.
Tune in to Sky Sport at 4.30pm, Saturday 20 November, to watch the NZ Barbarians U85 Club Cup Final live.
