New Zealand international Rico Gear arrived at Worcester Warriors on Monday – and was be officially welcomed to the club by the NZ Maori Haka group!
Gear was joined by fellow All Black Sam Tuitupou as a traditional Maori ‘powhiri’ – ceremony of welcome – took place on the stadium pitch performed by the Manaia group.
Warriors teamed up with official club sponsor npower to invite the Manaia to Sixways to perform the ceremony which involves a series of rituals between two groups before they come together to signify the groups are now one.
The powhiri included a Karanga, Haka powhiri and Mihimihi before the two groups closed in to perform a Hongi – when they press noses.
To conclude the ceremony, Gear and Tuitupou were joined by the Manaia group to perform a Haka on the field.
Watch Rico Gear’s and Sam Tuitupou’s Sixways Stadium Haka through YouTube.com by CLICKING HERE
To watch Rico and Sam in action tune into BBC Midlands Today (6.30pm) and ITV Central News (6pm) on Monday evening.
Be coached by the Warrior All Blacks – Rico Gear, Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson – through Warriors Premier Rugby Academy, supported by npower. Back at Sixways Stadium – January 3rd & 4th – Ages 6 to 16 – Only £50 per person. To book a place on this exclusive camp simply book online by CLICKING HERE or contact the Warriors Community Team.