HB Rugby thrilled to see players finally take to the field
Finally, 91 days after it was initially scheduled to start, the 2020 Hawke’s Bay club rugby season is kicking off today.
Rugby fans across the region can expect a bumper round of senior club rugby with 23 games to be played among the five senior club grades.
Hawke’s Bay Rugby Chief Executive Jay Campbell said there was excitement about the return of club rugby.
“Rugby’s such an important part of our community and there’s real buzz about it returning this weekend, said Campbell.
“We’ve all worked hard to stay safe and fight this pandemic and now we’re looking forward to celebrating. It’ll be a special weekend and I encourage everyone to get down to their local club and enjoy the return of club rugby.”
Campbell added that player numbers and team registrations were looking positive for the season ahead, despite the disruption caused by COVID-19.
“Like everyone we face some challenges, but rugby is in really good shape across the Bay, said Campbell
“We’ve got one more senior club team than we did last year and our secondary school numbers are looking particularly strong. That’s a really positive sign for the game given everything our community and the country has been through.”
Today’s fixtures will see some Super Rugby players taking to the field including Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava and Hurricane Danny Toala featuring for Hastings Rugby and Sports in their match against hosts Clive, who are expected to select Hurricane Jonah Lowe and Chiefs first-five Tiaan Falcon.
Former All Black Zac Guildford will get game time for Napier Tech lineup against last year’s championship winning side Napier Old Boys Marist at Whitmore Park.
Other premier games will see Havelock North travel to Tamatea Park to take on Napier Pirates while Tamatea under new coach Nui Bartlett travel south to take on Central Rugby & Sports with their new coach David Lochore at the helm. All games start at 3pm.
New Zealand Rugby General Manager of Participation and Development Steve Lancaster acknowledged clubs had put in significant work to be ready for this weekend.
“A few weeks ago we didn’t think we would be at this point so soon and we’re all incredibly excited that community rugby can start this weekend, said Lancaster
“We’ve got to say a big thank you to our clubs and volunteers who have put in a lot of work to get our game ready, develop plans to keep people safe and open up the clubrooms.”
Secondary school rugby, senior women’s and Small Blacks rugby will kick off over the coming two weekends which will be appreciated by all those junior, secondary and female players.
