Hurricanes to play Force in Napier
The recent travel bubble announcement between New Zealand and Australia sees rugby in Hawke’s Bay as a beneficiary being able to secure a Super Rugby Trans -Tasman fixture where the Perth based Western Force will take on the Wellington based Hurricanes in Napier on the Friday 28th of May at 7:05pm.
Both New Zealand and Australian rugby fans have been restricted to seeing domestic Super Rugby franchises do battle each weekend so many of them will be eager to see how teams match up throughout the Trans-Tasman competition.
HBRU CEO Jay Campbell was delighted to bringing Super Rugby back to Hawke’s Bay in 2021. Campbell said ’ Hawke’s Bay Rugby is excited to be hosting these two great sides and our communities love of rugby should see the Bay ‘pack the park’. Huge thanks to both clubs for having the foresight in bringing this game to Hawke's Bay and our rugby fans’
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise is thrilled to see Trans-Tasman Super Rugby return to Napier and McLean Park. “The Hurricanes have a loyal fan base in Hawke’s Bay and a strong history of success at McLean Park. It promises to be an entertaining evening for all and a great boost for the region heading into winter”.
Tickets are sure to be hot property as many fans will be eagerly anticipating the possible return of Hurricanes fan favorites such as Julian Savea, Dane Coles and Jordie Barrett alongside Magpies squad members.
Eyes will no doubt be on team selections with the possibility of Devan Flanders (pictured abve), Isaiah Walker - Leawere, Pouri Rakete - Stones. Lolagi Visinia and Danny Toala all being available to play in Napier on McLean Park.
Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said ‘We are really looking forward to playing in Napier. The team always love the experience in the Bay and it’s always a great atmosphere on game day. Our relationship with Hawkes Bay rugby is very important to us and we thank them and the Force for making this happen.
The Western Force have some familiar names in their squad with former Hurricane Jeremy Thrush on their roster as well as former All Black Richard Kahui and Irish fullback Rob Kearney all playing well alongside several Australian test players Tevita Kuridrani, Tom Robertson, Sitaleki Timani and Kyle Godwin, with new Wallabies Feleti Kaitu’u and Tim Anstee and Argentinian internationals Tomás Cubelli, Tomás Lezana, Santiago Medrano and Domingo Miotti.
Western Force CEO Tony Lewis said that we are excited to be spending a week in Hawke’s Bay and be embraced by local fans, we plan to connect with local clubs and schools during our stay. “We know how many people in Hawke’s Bay have connections to Western Australia and hope that the Force will be considered as their Australian home side.”
There will be chances for fans to get up and close to players during their stay with fan engagement opportunities to be announced closer to game day.
A pre-purchase opportunity will be provided to Magpie’s season members and sponsors with tickets available for public sale from midday Wednesday via the HBRU, 3 Orotu Drive, Poraiti or online at www.magpies.co.nz
