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Hurricanes to hit Eke once again

The Hurricanes will take on Tana Umaga's Blues at the Eketahuna Rugby Club this pre-season.

Following the outstanding success of this year's sold out game between the Hurricanes and Crusaders, Eketahuna is once again geared up for the event, to be held on Saturday February 13.

The club's President Dennis "Doc" Dougherty said he was grateful event organisers had placed faith in the township to hold the game again, and his club-mates were looking forward to putting on another memorable event for rugby fans.

"This year's game was a wonderful day out thanks largely to the positive response we received from the whole community who got in behind to support the day. There's no doubt we will have the same level of support next year."

Doc said having leading players from both Super Rugby franchises take to the Eketahuna field, particularly following the All Blacks success at the Rugby World Cup, could only benefit the game at a grass roots level.

"Giving our kids the opportunity to see these top guys playing in their own backyard is priceless and I am confident will help boost our club's player numbers and help motivate many young players to remain in the sport, including those who play at a premier level."

The Hurricanes recently announced their squad for 2016 and Hurricanes Coach Chris Boyd says he was excited about taking the squad to Eketahuna to kick off the season.

"It's an enjoyable occasion and will be a great chance for our full squad to come together for their first match of the year.

"All of the players will be pushing hard to stake their claim for the season, so there will certainly be some fantastic Super Rugby on show for the locals."

It will also be the first time Hurricanes' new chief executive officer Avan Lee has been sideline at the Tui Brewery organised pre-season game, and he's looking forward to observing what has become a unique grass roots experience for fans and players.

"Grassroots rugby in New Zealand is vital to the success of professional rugby, so it's pleasing to be able to give something back.

"I've heard a lot of good things about this event and can't wait to be a part of it for the first time."

Over the coming months, Doc and his club-mates will work closely with the council and local contractors to ensure the grounds are Super Rugby ready, come February 13th. He is also working with community groups to ensure visitors to the small township will be treated to genuine, rural hospitality.

Nick Rogers, commercial manager for DB, said February's game would continue a grand tradition of bringing the big game to the small town. Mr Rogers and his team have previously organised five sold-out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes franchise - three of which have been played at Mangatainoka, the 2014 game played at Memorial Park in Masterton, and this year's game at Eketahuna.

"Tui has always championed bringing the big game of Super Rugby back to provincial New Zealand and we are stoked that Eketahuna can host it again in 2016 following the amazing success of this year's event which was a sell-out and involved the entire community," says Mr Rogers.

Tickets for the Super Rugby pre-season game will go on sale on Wednesday, November 11th and be available through PGG Wrightson Stores and at Tui HQ, SH2, Mangatainoka, or online at www.tui.co.nz. Prices are $40 for GA and $130pp for Corporate Tickets.

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