| Message from the President I formed the IWRSA in 2000 out of a desire to teach my Israeli friends about New Zealand and the wondrous river city of which I am the spawn. Most members are attached in some way to the Meretz political party in Israel, with which I did my PHD research but it can be said that since then the IWRSA has split the seams of its original social sphere burgeoning into a movement of truly biblical proportions the likes of which the proud Wanganui rugby loving public has never seen, particularly at Cooks Gardens. My own love for the black and blues stretches back to childhood years sitting clutching a cold mince pie in the stand at Spriggens Park (RIP thanks to that other great Wangavegas tradition, arson) praying for death and/or a local victory rarely getting either. From these childhood years I learned the import of suffering and disillusionment as character building experiences. These are my gifts to you the virginal IWRSA supporter who's life is about to be transformed by the love of the Black & Blue. Being a Wanganui rugby supporter is like a box of chocolates, someone has always got to the strawberry first and you're left with the nuts. I promise you apprehension, tears, frustration and those odd magic moments of total joy when you know that there is a God and she's wearing a Butcher's apron. So saddle up, invent an honorary title for yourself and send us details of who you are and where your at and we'll make you world famous in Wanganui. Haere mai, haere mai. |
| Member Profiles |
| Dominic Moran Title: Il Duce I was born a middle-class white child in Wangavegas-upon-Whanganui. Educated for too long I became a university student and therein have spent my adult years killing brain cells in order to understand how little I know and what a silly world it is that we inhabit. I'm now living in Israel which makes my silly world thesis oh so much harder to refute. There. |
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| Basil Tsaav Title: Mascot I am a turtle. I like lettuce. I hibernate all winter so that everyone thinks I'm dead then I come back to life, therefore I am the perfect IWRSA mascot. |
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| PM Helen Clark getting the 'good oil' from Il Duce |
| Dr. Diana Dolev Title: Official Jewish Mother-in-law Nu, when my children remember to let me out of the pitch black room where they have left me to wither - not that I am one to complain - I am an active, energetic political animal. I love political demonstrations where I get to solve the problems of the nation and rail at the stupidity of others. I am responsible for the provision of chicken soup to the IWRSA leadership, if only I could do the same for the Wanganui team but would they take my advice? |
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| Melissa Wilkey Title: Orange girl Cursed by consanguinity with Il Duce, I was forced to suffer endless Wanganui rugby games as a youngster. Despite these early traumas I have built a successful career as an engineer. A Canterbury follower through university I am now ready to repent of my sins and return to the poisoned chalice of Wanganui rugby fanaticism. |
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| Il Duce: Don't jump SA, we're going to win this year, SA, SA!!! |
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| Please don't hurt me Boaz |
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| Who's in Black & Blue? |
| Hadas Bashan Title: Treasurer 25 year old female, proud mother of 2 cats. a law graduate, currently studying to pass bar exam, after which will decide not to be a lawyer and try to marry well instead. (or escape to the carribean with the IWRSA cash). Likes: buffy the vampire slayer. platform shoes. men who cook. basketball (but rugby is good too. that's the one with guys in really short shorts, right?). Dislikes: every thing related to this f*$king war,.people who take themselves seriously. |
| Boaz Ben David Title: Food critic Our food critic loves to eat but really can't cook. I think rugby is like a good shrimp-olive oil-garlic-risoto served on fresh tomatoes with whole-wheat bread accompanied by good red wine sparkling water and served by a beautiful young blond waitress. It's heaven as long as you don't have to pay the bill (or find your wife is watching you ). But unlike a good shrimp-olive oil-garlic-risoto served on fresh tomatoes with whole-wheat bread accompanied by good red wine sparkling water and served by a beautiful yung blond waitress - its a joy you want to share with your friends. |