Tui Brings Super Rugby Back To Mangatainoka

November 13, 2012

Tui Brings Super Rugby Back To Mangatainoka

Super Rugby defending champions Chiefs will return to the Mangatainoka Rugby Grounds next February to take on the Hurricanes in a Super Rugby preseason game.

In true No 8 wire style, Tui Brewery will bring the big game to the small town for the fourth year in a row after securing two of Super Rugby’s most passionate franchises for the game on Saturday, February 16th 2013. Today’s announcement follows the success of three previous sold out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes franchise – including the 2011 game against the Chiefs that saw the home team clinch a 35-31 victory.

Tui Brewery commercial manager Nick Rogers, who has championed all the games to date, says Hurricanes and Chiefs clashes throughout the history of Super Rugby have been closely contested and this game promises to be no different.

“Having two of Super Rugby’s most passionate franchises return to the Mangatainoka RFC – which happens to be right next to Tui Brewery - will provide the fans with a memorable game of footie and an opportunity to experience a game that emphasizes the theatre of going to see rugby,” says Nick.

“The last three games held here have sold out attracting a crowd of around 8000 spectators - the Hurricanes biggest attendance at a pre-season game ever. And we can’t wait to take New Zealand rugby back to the heartland again.”

Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammett is already looking forward to the pre-season game.

"We can't wait to head back to Mangatainoka next year. There is a real sense of rugby community up there. It is great we can be involved with grassroots rugby and take this game to the heart of Hurricanes territory,” he says.

"Playing the Chiefs will be a fantastic match. As defending champs, they will be fierce competitors and will help prepare our team for another big season ahead."

Hurricanes new recruit Ardie Savea is excited about having one of his first Super Rugby hit outs in the heartland, especially after hearing how his elder brother Julian played at the same ground.

“I'm looking forward to my first match at Mangatainoka. It will be great to pull on the Hurricanes jersey in front of a home crowd so hopefully I get that chance,” says the dynamic openside flanker.

“I’ve never been to the game before, just heard from Juls that it’s an awesome day out.”

Like previous preseason games at Mangatainoka, February’s game is expected to go down in grass roots rugby folklore. It will again be played on Neil Symonds' farm, which is currently a bare paddock, and see the community rally together to host a predicted 8,000 visitors. There will be enough temporary seating to accommodate all ticket-holders; pre and post game entertainment as well as an array of guest speakers while passionate fans are expected to turn out in their regional colours.

Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible including: Cable Price, HireQuip, MoreFM, PGG Wrightsons, Norwood Farm Machinery, Sharpes Stockfeeds, PrintCraft and Wairarapa News.

Timeline for February 16th, 2013
12.30pm: Gates Open
1.00pm: Tui Invitation XV Vs Mangatainoka RFC Invitation XV
3.00pm: Hurricanes Vs Chiefs
5.00pm: Close For GA
5.45pm: After-Match Speeches And Band (At Mangatainoka Tent Village For VIPs)
6.45pm: Mangatainoka Tent Village Closes For VIP's

Tickets are available from Tui HQ, PGG Wrightson stores in the lower North Island, the Palmerston North i-SITE or via www.tui.co.nz
Price: VIP/Corporate Tickets $125, General Admission $45

Transport: Tranzit Tours are providing buses to the game. Visit www.tranzittours.co.nz or 0800 471 227

ENDS

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