Hurricanes to hit Eketahuna
The Hurricanes are taking Super Rugby back to the country with a pre-season game in Eketahuna.
The Eketahuna club, which marked 125 years with jubilee celebrations earlier this year, will welcome the Hurricanes on January 31 – as they take on the Crusaders.
The announcement follows the success of four previous sold-out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes – three of which have been played at Mangatainoka, and the 2014 match played at Memorial Park in Masterton.
Hurricanes Chief Executive James Te Puni said Eketahuna would be a unique experience for both fans and players.
"Playing at Eke epitomises the grassroots of the game and we know there's a strong community up there who will be thrilled to see the Hurricanes in their backyard," Te Puni said.
"Hurricanes territory not only includes our main centres, but our smaller communities in between, so to be able to head somewhere new in 2015 is an exciting opportunity."
The decision to hold the game at Eketahuna was made after the Mangatainoka RFC ground was unavailable.
Hosting two of Super Rugby's most passionate franchises in the Hurricanes and Crusaders is expected to provide fans with an exciting game of footy and a great family day out.
There will be enough temporary seating at the Eketahuna Rugby Grounds to accommodate 4000 ticket-holders.
