The Hurricanes Poua draw for the newly formatted Sky Super Rugby Aupiki 2024 competition has been unveiled!

With the competition having been expanded (from three regular games), the Poua will now play six matches, including three home games, and three double-headers in their regular season; kicking-off their campaign, and the launch of SR Aupiki 2024, on 2 March against Chiefs Manawa at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.

In what is exciting news for Poua fans, the three home matches will be spread across the region with the Poua opening their 2024 home account in Round Two against Matatū on 9 March at Sky Stadium.

The Poua will then make their way to Central Energy Trust (CET) Arena in Palmerston North in Round Four where they take on Chiefs Manawa on 22 March.

The match will be the first time the Poua have played in Palmerston North and will also act as a double-header with the Hurricanes Men’s match against the Rebels to follow.  

The Poua will complete their regular season in Round Six in Levin, where they play the Blues at Levin Domain on 6 April.

Hurricanes Poua Head Coach Ngatai Walker said the shift from three matches to six was exciting news and would benefit both players and fans in the long run.

"We are very excited to play six games this upcoming season, let alone three home games in front of our families and communities. It’s great for women’s rugby in the region, especially when we want to inspire the next generation of players to want to become a future Hurricanes Poua player. Having six games allows our players more opportunities to grow and thrive at this level and put their names in the reckoning for the Black Ferns Sevens and Black Ferns sides.”

Hurricanes General Manager of Rugby Tony Philp was also excited about an extended competition saying it will give players a chance to showcase their talent further.

“Having an extended Aupiki competition is great news for the players and for our fans. The players will get more of an opportunity to display their talent and push for higher honours with six games to be played. It also means fans within our region will have more chances to get behind the team with more matches to attend.”

All six rounds of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki will be broadcasted live and exclusively on SKY.

The Hurricanes Poua will play a pre-season match against Matatū at Christchurch Park on Saturday, 24 February.

Hurricanes Poua Memberships are now on sale for the 2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition. Visit: www.hurricanes.co.nz/membership/packages for more details.