The Dutch football mascot Kicky was welcomed at Sky Stadium by Captain Hurricane and more than 17,000 Hurricanes fans. This is in preparation for the biggest Women’s Football Event to date starting in 45 days.

On June 3, the Hurricanes hosted the Crusaders at Sky Stadium in the final round-robin match of the 2023 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, with the support of 17,000 fans. Prior to the match, there was a special welcome where Hurricanes mascot, Captain Hurricane, welcomed Kicky, the mascot of the women’s football team of the Netherlands. This gave Kicky the opportunity to see the big stadium and experience the atmosphere of an enthusiastic sports crowd in Wellington where the rugby ball will soon turn into a soccer ball.

From July 20 to August 20, the world’s best female footballers will descend on Australia and New Zealand. Wellington is one of the host cities where nine matches will be played including the USA v Netherlands match on Thursday, July 27 which promises to be one of the highlights.

"Four years ago, the Lionesses were beaten by Team USA in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final. They will bring an exciting style of game to Aotearoa New Zealand. To build the hype, we will host exciting events for fans prior to the game, so keep an eye on our social media channels!’’, said Ard van der Vorst, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

It is evident that the game between the USA and the Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium, as it will be known during the tournament, will be very popular with tickets in hot demand.

What did Kicky and Captain Hurricane think of the meet-up themselves? Kicky got some tips and dance moves from Captain Hurricane, and Captain Hurricane thinks he’ll swap out his cape for an orange t-shirt and join the Orange Fan Parade when the Netherlands take on the USA. Captain Hurricane and Kicky make a good duo!

For more information about the Orange festivities follow orange.fans.AUSNZ on Facebook and Instagram, or check out the website: FIFA Women's World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 | New Zealand | Netherlandsandyou.nl.