The visiting Irish rugby team will enjoy a experience that they will treasure for a lifetime, when they arrive in Rotorua to play New Zealand Maori, as part of the Maori Rugby Centenary year celebrations

On arrival in Rotorua on Sunday (13 June 2010) the Irish visitors first port of call in the Bay of Plenty will be to visit the Te Papaiouru Marae at Ohinemutu to receive a traditional Powhiri of welcome.

The Powhiri, which is special part of New Zealand culture, is reserved for guests of honour, with the 2005 British Lions the last international rugby team to be accorded the mark of respect.

The Ireland Rugby teams visit to the Bay of Plenty, is a significant event in the celebration of one hundred years of New Zealand Maori Rugby. It is appropriate that the first game between New Zealand Maori and Ireland should be held in Rotorua. The Bay of Plenty region has long been regarded as the home of Maori rugby in the country

The International match-up will take place at the Rotorua International Stadium next Friday (18 June 2010) night, before what is expected to be a full house.

Leading proceeding at the Powhiri, which will commence at 4pm, will be Kaumatua Bishop Kingi QSM MNZM, with Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters also on hand to welcome the Irish visitors.

The Irish team will assemble before a Challenge is laid down. After the Challenge has been accepted, the Irish team will then walk onto the Marae, for the Powhiri and the accompanying Haka of welcome.

Speeches of welcome and the Irish reply will follow at the Wharenui (Meeting house), before a showcase of local Maori entertainment.

After a day that that the Irish will never forget, they will get down to the serious part of the visit to Rotorua, as they prepare to meet the New Zealand Maori warriors on Friday night.