Star-studded cricket match launches Sumner Sports Pavilion rebuild

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Kieran Read of Team Rugby is congratulated by his teammates after taking a wicket during a celebrity cricket match between rugby and cricket legends at St Leonards Park in Sumner. The match launched a fundraising campaign for the rebuild of the Sumner Sports Pavilion.

Nearly 30 sporting legends took to St Leonards Park in Sumner to kick off a fundraising campaign for the Sumner Sports Pavilion rebuild.

Andy Ellis of Team Rugby bowls during a celebrity cricket match between rugby and cricket legends at St Leonards Park in Sumner.

The cross-code T20 clash saw Team Rugby, led by Robbie Deans, take on Team Cricket, captained by Dan Vann on Thursday, with fans treated to skill, camaraderie, and fun.

Support squad stars including manager Darren Shand, Olympian swimmer Anna Simcic, Crusader Adam Whitelock, netball great Lesley Rumball, and cricket star Leighton Burtt joined the action, while former White Fern Lesley Murdoch called the match.

“It's a fantastic way to celebrate our community while raising funds for a much-needed facility,” said campaign lead Amy Carter.

General view during a celebrity cricket match between rugby and cricket legends at St Leonards Park in Sumner. The match launched a fundraising campaign for the rebuild of the Sumner Sports Pavilion.

The event, open to the public by donation, was a lively start to the pavilion’s fundraising campaign.

The new pavilion will include a commercial kitchen, a modern, fit for purpose community multi-use space, and individual changing rooms.