The Hurricanes have confirmed the location of their second pre-season fixture for 2023, with the team set to host the Crusaders at Levin Domain, 5PM on Friday 17 February.  

In announcing the fixture, Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said: "We're thrilled to be able to take a pre-season fixture out to the wider region and give local fans a taste of Super Rugby. February is the perfect time of year for fans to enjoy some early-evening footy in the sunny Horowhenua.”  

"We look forward to working closely with the Horowhenua District Council and Horowhenua - Kapiti Rugby Union over the coming months to bring this fixture together, in what will be our final preparation for the 2023 season." 

Hurricanes Head Coach Jason Holland added: "A couple of our squad played junior rugby in Horowhenua and Kapiti, so the opportunity for our team to play Super Rugby in their home district is pretty special.” 

“Our players really enjoy connecting with their community, and I'm sure this game will mean a lot to local rugby fans in Horowhenua and Kapiti as well." 

The match will kick off at 5pm and will serve as the Hurricanes' final pre-season game before the start of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition. 

Mayor Bernie Wanden says, “We are excited to extend Horowhenua hospitality to both the Hurricanes and Crusaders. Horowhenua has a proud history of producing rugby stars such as Carlos Spencer and Codie Taylor, and we have large numbers of rugby fans and players in the district. We’re anticipating thousands of people at the game from near and afar, and we look forward to hosting them all.” 

Horowhenua-Kapiti Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Officer Corey Kennett said: “We are thrilled to host this pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Crusaders at the Levin Domain on Friday 17 February at 5pm. This match is part of an exciting time for the Horowhenua-Kapiti rugby community as eight days later, Saturday 25 February, the opening match of the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki competition between the Hurricanes Poua and Chiefs Manawa will also be held at the Levin Domain. We wish to thank the Hurricanes for this incredible opportunity and look forward to working together in the lead up to this game. We also wish to thank our partners, Horowhenua District Council and Recreational Services who have provided great support to make this event possible.” 

More than 5000 people descended on Levin Domain when the Hurricanes took on the Crusaders at a 2019 pre-season match, with similar numbers expected in 2023.

Tickets for the Hurricanes versus Crusaders pre-season match in Levin are $15 for adults and just $5 for a child. An exclusive pre-sale window for Hurricanes 2023 Members opens in January before tickets go on sale to the general public.