The Hurricanes are thrilled to announce they will be returning to Palmerston North in 2024 for their DHL Super Rugby Pacific match against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday, 22 March.

The Round Five fixture, which doubles as ‘Kids Round’, will be the second consecutive year the Hurricanes have taken their regional game to Central Energy Trust (CET) Arena, having played there earlier this year.

Fans turned out in droves for the 2023 match against Western Force, which Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee hopes will be replicated in 2024.

“We are delighted to be heading back to Palmerston North for the second time in two years. Connecting with the wider Hurricanes region is important to us and the Manawatū community were brilliant in uniting behind the Hurricanes and the event. We are confident that will happen again, especially with the number of Manawatū players in our squad. It should be an exciting day.”

Manawatū Rugby CEO, Andrea Jackson, was thrilled the Hurricanes would be making their way back to Palmerston North.

“We’re very excited to host a Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific game for the second straight year. It’s a testament to the strong relationship between Manawatū Rugby and the Hurricanes, as well as the great support for the Hurricanes within our community.

“People in our province are proud of the fact we hosted the first Super Rugby game back in 1996, so it’s always a big deal when the Hurricanes come back. We are pleased to give the passionate rugby fans in the Manawatū the opportunity to see the Hurricanes in action and cheer on our local players in the team.”

Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, was equally excited, saying: “We were thrilled to be able to host the Hurricanes v Western Force match this year and it’s fantastic that the Hurricanes have decided to return in 2024.

“Our Central Energy Trust Arena is a world-class regional sporting facility that is geared up to host significant events just like this. It’s perfect for welcoming the wider Palmy public and those in wider central New Zealand who will come out to support our Hurricanes, which also features a few of our local Manawatū boys.”

Hurricanes loose forward and Manawatū Turbos captain, Brayden Iose, said there was nothing like a home game “at home”.

“For me, it’s a special feeling to run out in a Hurricanes jersey and play in front of a home crowd in Palmerston North. It was an incredible atmosphere at this year’s game against the Force, so we hope it all happens again in front of a packed crowd on 22 March.”

The Hurricanes DHL Super Rugby Pacific Round Five match against the Rebels will kick-off at 7:05pm, Friday, 22 March, at Central Energy Trust (CET) Arena, Palmerston North.

Pre-sale tickets for the match will be available in December.