The All Blacks will be in the town, from 10.00am until early afternoon, as part of a New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) initiative that will see members of the team visit a limited number of towns the day before the team officially assembles for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Western Bay Mayor Ross Paterson says it’s a real credit to Te Puke that the NZRU selected the town as one of only eleven provincial communities to host the All Blacks immediately prior to New Zealand’s biggest ever sporting event.

“The visit provides a unique opportunity for the town to come together, showcase its community spirit and spend time with some heroes of our National game.”

While the three squad members visiting Te Puke won’t be confirmed until after the squad is named next Tuesday, 23 August, Ross says the council, Focus Te Puke, local rugby clubs, Sport Bay of Plenty and the Bay Plenty Rugby Union are gearing up to make the visit a success.

 “We only have the players in town for a short time, so we want to be able to reach as many Te Puke locals as possible.

 “We’re planning an event at Jubilee Park being open to the public, but we’re asking for patience as the focus of activities will be on student representatives from local schools and junior club players.”

 Ross says the All Blacks will be officially welcomed at Jubilee Park from 10.00am.

 “The welcome, which should last around 20 minutes, will be followed by activities that will see the All Blacks help out at rugby skills stations around the park.

 “Plans are also afoot to get a few games of Rippa Rugby underway, which will give some of the game’s young ‘up and comers’ a chance to showcase their skills in front of the All Blacks.”

 Following the activities at Jubilee Park, which are expected to conclude around 12.30pm, Ross says the players will be escorted by local dignitaries on a walkabout of the town centre for 45 minutes to an hour so they get a feel for the town centre and meet some more locals.

“Our aim has been to put together a programme which maximises the time of our special guests, gives as many people as possible an opportunity to see them at the official welcome and town walkabout, and to give something back to those who have contributed so much to the game at a local level,” says Ross.

 The All Blacks are expected to leave Te Puke around 1.45pm to head to Auckland.