VIDEO: Tahs return to 'iconic' venue

SUPER RUGBY NEWS: One of the most iconic sporting venues will provide a historic backdrop for three of the Waratahs’ eight home matches in 2019.

The Sydney Cricket Ground will host a trio of blockbuster matches – including 2018 Super Rugby champion Crusaders, followed by a real State versus State battle when NSW line up against archrivals the Reds. The third match will be another Australian derby against the Melbourne Rebels.

Wednesday’s news follows milestone announcements that the Waratahs will play three games at the new Western Sydney Stadium, a match in Newcastle and the opening Super Rugby match at Brookvale Oval.

“The Waratahs are a state team and the fact that we will play our home matches at four diverse venues next year is a reflection of that, and further supports our commitment to showcasing and promoting rugby from the bush to the beach,” Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said.

“The next three years, while our new stadium is being built, provides us with the unique opportunity to take the NSW Waratahs to the fans, both in our traditional fan hubs but also in new markets,” Hore said.

“We are driven by our vision of caring for the game, connecting with all our rugby communities and unifying the sport. This is an exciting time for the game in our State as our home venues provide the strong rugby community in Parramatta and surrounding areas with top international rugby while supporting the development of the game in one of our important regions.

“Brookvale Oval is the perfect backdrop for our supporters on the Northern Beaches, Newcastle gives our regional rugby family the chance to experience Super Rugby for the first time while the SCG, as one of the world’s most iconic sporting arenas, offers of supporters a sense of familiarity,” Hore added.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said: “We celebrated our history and heritage in the match against the Reds at the SCG in 2018 and that was a magnificent occasion for both teams, and a first time to this iconic venue for a lot of our team. The SCG is one of world sport’s most recognisable venues and we are delighted to continue rugby’s legacy and association with the ground.

“As a global game, rugby offers plenty of unique experiences and playing at the SCG certainly ranks high,” Gibson said.

Waratahs home matches 2019:
Saturday, February 16: v Hurricanes, Brookvale Oval
Saturday, March 9: v Reds, Sydney Cricket Ground
Saturday 23 March Crusaders Sydney Cricket Ground
Friday, March 29: v Sunwolves, Newcastle
Saturday, April 20: v Melbourne Rebels, Sydney Cricket Ground
Saturday 27 April Sharks Western Sydney Stadium
Saturday, May 25: v Jaguares, Western Sydney Stadium
Saturday, June 8: v Brumbies, Western Sydney Stadium