The first Ranfurly shield fixture for 2024 will be played at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park in Hastings.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby have confirmed that the fixture against neighbors King Country scheduled for Wednesday 26th June at 3pm will be hosted in Hastings with McLean Park unavailable for the first match due to turf maintenance.

This will be the 11th time in history that Hawkes Bay has played a shield defence outside of their traditional home in Napier. This includes 8 times at Nelson Park in Hastings from 1922-1926 as well as taking it on the road to Wellington 1925 and Canterbury in 1926.

Hawkes Bay Rugby Commercial Manager Dan Somerville was excited about the opportunity to shield rugby back to Hastings “We are really looking forward to having the Ranfurly Shield back and putting it on the line against King Country, whilst we did have options to hold this fixture at other venues including in Taupo we wanted to host this in Hawkes Bay with our members, sponsors and local fans front of mind”

Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park General Manager Glenn Lucas is enthusiastic about hosting the shield clash. “We are delighted to work with the team at HBRU to invite Magpies and Rams fans into our park. We are honored through this fixture to become a small part in the long history of Ranfurly Sheild rugby.

Whilst the kickoff time might prove challenging for some, the HBRU is hoping to explore ways to allow as many people to attend as possible. The venue with 2500 seats and ample room on embankment areas has established itself as an ideal venue for multiple sports that successfully hosted Tui games last season.

“We hope that parents will pick their kids up from school and head along with local employers letting staff off a little early to come down to watch as well” Somerville added “We are looking to approach some local businesses to support this initiative as match day sponsor with the hope to make it very affordable or cost free for people to attend.”

With some Magpies still being committed to their Super Rugby franchises for this match Magpies assistant coach Sam McNicol was excited at the prospect of a number of up-and-coming players being able to show their ability for the first time in the black and white jersey. “This shield game against King Country gives us the chance to see some of our top performing club rugby talent play alongside our more experienced Magpies and show the depth that has been developed over the last few years, our wider training group has been working hard and playing well as we best prepare for this opportunity and privilege to defend the Ranfurly Shield.”

Full season fixtures and season memberships are available online at hbmagpies.co.nz

Article added: Friday 19 April 2024