MARTIN JUMPS IN FOR ENGLAND!
It’s one of the biggest challenges in world Rugby but the legendary Haka held no fears for England fan Martin Wheelan – who so impressed the local Maori’s they invited him to join!
Martin (29) has just returned from Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and along with memories of stunning Mount Cook, Lake Taupo and the country’s biggest bungy jump, facing down the Haka ranks among the best.
He was with a group of England fans who were met by the traditional Maori greeting when they arrived at the Rydges Harbourview Hotel in Auckland – England Rugby Travel’s official hotel throughout the Tournament that has been transformed into a mini slice of Twickenham.
“I was put forward to represent the England fans at the Haka as I was the youngest there,” Martin explained. “They [Maori’s] put a leaf on the floor as a sign of peace and if you pick it up it is acceptance you don’t want to go to war – I picked it up and they accepted me into their tribe!
“It was a bit nerve-wracking at the start but it was a great experience to be involved in – they were great fun.”
Martin was in New Zealand for all of England’s pool games and combined the unbearable tension of their passage to the knockout phases with a series of excursions to discover New Zealand.
“When we went to see Mount Cook everyone said it was the best weather they could remember and Lake Taupo was out of this world,” he said. “The people were really friendly and I also managed to experience the highest bungy jump in New Zealand, the Nevis Bungy, at 134 metres, that was just awesome, unbelievable.”
When not following England, Martin plays on the wing for Thornton-Cleverleys Rugby Club near Blackpool – who won the regional prize of the O2 Touch Breakfast and collected 100 special breakfast pies and 100 cans of beer before England’s game against Scotland.
“It was the first time ever I have travelled away with England and it was fantastic – I was really well looked after by the England Rugby Travel staff and to be around the England hotel and have the chance to meet guys like Dylan Hartley and Chris Ashton was great.
“It was a great experience and I would thoroughly recommend it.”
