The Hurricanes have today announced that they will return to Palmerston North for the first time since 2019 for their DHL Super Rugby Pacific Round 6 clash against the Western Force.
Home to Manawatū Rugby, the Central Energy Trust (CET) Arena in Palmerston North will host the Hurricanes Sunday afternoon fixture against the Force, creating an opportunity to reconnect with the Hurricanes wider region following pandemic enforced restrictions of the last few seasons.
Avan Lee CEO Hurricanes said he was pleased to be returning to Palmerston North.
“We were long overdue to play a game in Palmy so it’s great to know that will happen in 2023. Heading back out to the wider region is important, not only for grassroots rugby, but for our Club. It’s a reminder of where we come from.”
“We hope this match unites the Manawatū region and inspires the next generation of Hurricanes in the process.”
“Last time we played in Palmy was 2019, when the Hurricanes beat the Brumbies, 43-13. Over 9000 people attended, and the atmosphere was awesome. We hope that we can recreate that magic,” said Lee.
Manawatū Rugby Union CEO, Andrea Jackson said:
“Manawatū Rugby Union are delighted to be partnering with The Hurricanes and Palmerston North City Council to bring a Super Rugby game here to the Manawatū.”
“The team at Manawatū Rugby Union have been working hard behind the scenes to attract a Super Rugby game to the region and are excited to begin the next phase in making it come to life. Our energy will be turned to providing opportunities for our community to support and engage with our Super Rugby team, the Hurricanes. We are especially looking forward to our community getting
behind our Manawatū Turbos players who will also be playing for the Hurricanes; Brayden Iose, Brett Cameron and TK Howden.”
“This will be a great chance to have our Super Rugby team play in the mighty Manawatū. We look forward to seeing the community show their support,” said Jackson.
Palmerston North Mayor, Grant Smith said:
“As a rugby and sport-mad Mayor, I’m personally thrilled the Hurricanes are returning, and it’s great to have Super Rugby back at Arena, where it all began 26 years ago.
“As then, and many times since, I'm sure our Palmy public, along with those in wider Central New Zealand will come out to support our Super team, which also features a few of our local Manawatū boys. This match adds to what is already an exciting 2023 Events calendar,” said Smith.
THE HURRICANES FULL SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC DRAW: (ALL TIMES NZT)
RD1: Reds v Hurricanes, Saturday 25 February, Queensland, 9:45PM
RD2: Rebels v Hurricanes, Friday 3 March, Melbourne, 10:10PM
RD3: Hurricanes v Blues, Saturday 11 March, Wellington, 7:05PM
RD4: Hurricanes v Waratahs, Friday 17 March, Wellington, 7:05PM
RD5: Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes, Saturday 25 March, Auckland, 7:05PM
RD6: Hurricanes v Force, Sunday 2 April, CET Arena, Palmerston North, 3:35PM
RD7: Highlanders v Hurricanes, Saturday 8 April, Dunedin, 7:05PM
RD8: Hurricanes v Chiefs, Saturday 15 April, Wellington, 7:05PM
RD9: BYE
RD10: Hurricanes v Brumbies, Friday 28 April, Wellington, 7:05PM
RD11: Fijian Drua v Hurricanes, Saturday 6 May, Suva, 2:05PM
RD12: Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, Saturday 13 May, Wellington, 4:35PM
RD13: Chiefs v Hurricanes, Saturday 20 May, Hamilton, 7:05PM
RD14: Blues v Hurricanes, Saturday 27 May, Auckland, 7:05PM
RD15: Hurricanes v Crusaders, Saturday 3 June, Wellington, 7:05PM