Hurricanes Poua will play their first game in Palmerston North on Friday 22 March 2024, locking in a huge double-header with the Hurricanes Men’s team.

Hurricanes Poua will take on Chiefs Manawa at Central Energy Trust Arena in game one of a double-header that also includes the Hurricanes versus the Melbourne Rebels. 

With the Sky Sport Super Rugby Aupiki 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.

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

Manawatū Rugby Union Union CEO Andrea Jackson says it is huge for the province to host a Super Rugby double-header which includes the first Hurricanes Poua game in Palmerston North.

“I’m delighted that our fans will get to cheer on the Cyclones players who are pulling on the yellow and black jersey next season. We are incredibly proud to have 11 Manawatū players in the Hurricanes Poua squad. It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication these players put into their craft and the strength of the Cyclones and women’s rugby in the Manawatū.”

Manawatū Cyclones and Hurricanes Poua loose forward Layla Sae says she is excited about the prospect of running out in front of a hometown crowd.  

“It will mean a lot for me to play in front of my family and friends and hopefully inspire the next generation of players in the Manawatū.”

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.”

Pre-sale tickets for the Palmerston North double-header will be available later this month.

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

Article added: Tuesday 05 December 2023