After three seasons and more than $8 million, South Canterbury Rugby is finally back home.
The new Fraser Park multisport facility was officially opened on Saturday with a packed day of rugby and celebration.
The grand opening was scheduled to begin with a blessing at 9am but that was postponed to a later date.
A presidents' grade tournament filled the remainder of the morning, with the Pleasant Point Mud Dogs and Waimate becoming the first two teams to make the trek up to the paddock through the Turley Tunnel.
Rangitata MP James Meager even laced up his boots for a run out with the Mud Dogs.
Also competing in the tournament were Old Boys, Celtic and Oamaru Old Boys.
The official opening ceremony began at 1pm, with South Canterbury Rugby Union president Jeremy Sutherland reading the names and stories of former South Canterbury Rugby representatives who died at war and whose names adorn the entranceway to the park.Wreaths were laid in front of the Remembrance Boulevard and Flowers of the Forest and Last Post were played.
Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen and businessman Gary Rooney cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the day.
Mr Bowen spoke to the crowd in attendance about the importance of the park in South Canterbury and also addressed the news surrounding the closing of Alliance Group’s Smithfield meatworks plant.
Mr Rooney unveiled another plaque in honour of project redevelopment manager Phillipa Guerin, who like Mr Rooney himself, had played an important part in the redevelopment’s success.
South Canterbury then took to the field for their Heartland match against Ngāti Porou East Coast and despite a nervy start, the 3000-strong crowd were sent home happy with a 32-15 South Canterbury victory.
