Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz

Lately I've been inundated with news and updates about everything and anything rugby.

t's not surprising with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner. So I feel it only fitting that I use this opportunity to make a statement about our national sport; the sport that will very soon be invading our homes and taking over our dinner table discussions.

With the naming of the team, the tension is certainly starting to build now.

What many of you may not know, is that us parliamentarians will be a part of our own little rugby tournament. It's called the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup and it will precede the actual Rugby World Cup. That's right, we'll be going up against parliamentarians from all other nations involved in the Rugby World Cup and on September 6 we'll be playing South Africa at Rotorua's Kuirau Park.

The All Blacks squad was announced today and of course all of us have an opinion on who should have been included. Overall, the team looks to be strong and dynamic with at least six Maori players making it a world class squad. Big ups to young Israel Dagg of Ngati Kahungunu – we all expect great things of him and the entire AB's squad. Bring on the world cup!

Now, back to rugby. I arrived late recently to one of our warm up games in Wellington. I had no time to warm up so I'm sure you can imagine what happened next – one sprint on the field and it was all over. Off to the bench I went with a pulled muscle. But if there's something to be learnt here, it is that firstly, I should always warm up and stretch well. Secondly, never catch a ride with Todd McClay.

I'm really proud of the support the Maori Party has provided to Ngati Whatua to build their dream of the 75 metre long waka to attract international and local visitors to experience Maori culture and entertainment during the Rugby World Cup.

The Waka Maori concept is just fantastic – showcasing the best of Maori culture from traditional kapa haka to contemporary bands. Despite the inevitable sceptics like Shane Jones and Hone Harawira – who are both just wishing they'd thought of the idea – I reckon the Waka Maori is going to be a real hallmark of a great World Cup.

And in the spirit of celebration, I must congratulate Te Waihoroi Shortland who was chosen to stand for the Maori Party in the Te Tai Tokerau electorate. Another St Stephens old boy, so no doubt, another rugby enthusiast!

I welcome your feedback. Phone 07 350 3261, email mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz or write to PO Box 12028 Rotorua 3045.