Blues Looking Forward To Preseason Clash In Masterton

Blues Looking Forward To Preseason Clash In Masterton

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has unique memories of playing rugby in Masterton, but predicts his young charges will have a different experience next month when they take on the Hurricanes in their first pre-season Super Rugby clash.

"We used to play in Masterton a bit back in my day and the last time I played there a Frenchman chucked a rooster onto the field, it was a bit of a trend back then, so if our game is anything like that there should be a fantastic atmosphere,” says Sir John.

The Blues will take on the Hurricanes in their first pre-season game on Saturday February 1 at Memorial Park in Masterton. It will be an opportunity for both teams to give their players a run around and assess positional play. But it will also be a great opportunity for rugby fans to watch some of the country’s top level players up close in the flesh.

"I’m looking forward to it, it's a great way to start the season and the boys can't wait to get out there as well,” says Sir John. “It’s always good to travel to the provinces, albeit in the Hurricanes region, but it’s great for the locals that will get to the opportunity to watch some Super Rugby.”

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett is equally excited about taking the game to the
provinces.

“I’m sure the support at Memorial Park will be huge, and that will give the team a big boost in our pre-season campaign.”

"Playing the Blues will be a fantastic and entertaining match. They’re fierce competitors and an exciting side, which will certainly help prepare our team for another big season ahead."

With the Blues announcing an exciting squad that sees the arrival of Benji Marshall and the return of Jerome Kaino, Ma’a Nonu and Tony Woodcock, the stands at Memorial Park are filling up fast. Event manager Rosie Broughton says with only three weeks to go until kick-off there are still a handful of corporate tickets available online and there are still plenty general admission tickets left online and through our outlets.

Gates open at 12.30pm and the day’s festivities begin at 12.50pm with three Rugby Sevens clashes including one with a surprise twist. The Super Rugby game kicks off at 3pm.

Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible including:

Sharpes Stockfeed, PGG Wrightons, Trust House, Print Craft, Norwood, WBRFU, Cableprice, Wairarapa News and MoreFM.

• Timeline for February 1st, 2014

12.30pm Gates Open

12.50pm Rugby Sevens games

3.00pm Hurricanes Vs Blues

5.00pm GA Area Closes

5.45pm After-Match Speeches & Band in Tui Brewery VIP Village.

• Tickets

Available from Tui HQ, PGG Wrightson stores in the Wairarapa and Bottle-O

stores in the Wairarapa or via www.tui.co.nz

Price: General Admission $25 adults

ENDS

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