Rugby: Canes to take on Brumbies at McLean Park

BAY'S TURN: Brooklyn McIntyre gets a feel of the Super Rugby trophy with Taradale Intermediate Schoolmates and guests during yesterday's announcement. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

FIVE Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby players will have an extra incentive to make the Hurricanes playing squad of 23 on April 21 next year.

That's the date Investec Super Rugby's defending champions will take on the Australian Conference champion Brumbies in a 7.35pm clash at Napier's McLean Park. Hurricanes officials along with Napier City Council representatives and Hawke's Bay Rugby Union CEO Mike Bishop announced the fixture when the Super Rugby trophy visited Taradale Intermediate School yesterday.

Locks Geoff Cridge and Mark Abbott, loosie Hugh Renton and frontrowers Ricky Riccitelli and Ben May were all named in the Hurricanes 2017 squad last week. Of the five Abbott is the only one who has played for the Canes on McLean Park in the past. It will be the first time the two-time Super Rugby champions Brumbies have played in Napier and the Canes' 10th first-class outing in the Bay.

It will be the Hurricanes' third home match in Napier in four years after high-scoring and well attended wins over the Bulls and Highlanders in 2014 and 2015 continued the club's history of success at the Hawke's Bay venue. Bishop said the match was an important one for the province.

"We are genuinely excited to host the defending champion Hurricanes in our town and when you consider their form over the past two years I'm sure our fans can't wait to see them running on to McLean Park.

"Everyone in Hawke's Bay is extremely proud of what the Hurricanes achieved last year and it certainly helps that there were a few Magpies players in the mix too.

"It will be inspiring for our young rugby players to see some of their sporting heroes playing in their back yard."

"We are delighted to host such a prestigious game. The Brumbies have shown over a long period of time they are a quality team," Bishop said.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said Hawke's Bay had always been an important region for the club and continued to make a significant contribution to the team's success.

"Last time the squad were in Napier they were overwhelmed by the support they received from the locals and I know the players are excited about returning again in 2017.

"McLean Park has been a great venue for the Hurricanes over the years and when you look at a record of six wins from nine matches it's been a successful one too."

Napier mayor Bill Dalton said the match was good news for everyone in the region.
"It'll be fantastic for the city of Napier and indeed the whole of Hawke's Bay to host the Hurricanes once again. I'm really looking forward to it."

Napier City Council chief executive Wayne Jack said attracting Super Rugby to Hawke's Bay was a positive for the city and the wider region.

"To have the defending champions in a truly international competition playing at McLean Park is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our city and highlight our region in a positive light.

"The people of Napier and Hawke's Bay love their sport and love their rugby. I have no doubt they will get behind this match and create a wonderful weekend for everyone concerned."

Details regarding match-day hospitality and ticket sales will be released next month.

Hurricanes at McLean Park in Napier:
1996 v Transvaal, WON 32-16
1997 v Waratahs, WON 19-3
1998 v Crusaders, LOST 17-39
1999 v Waratahs, WON 13-7
2001 v Highlanders, WON 35-33
2003 v Bulls, LOST 34-46
2011 v Bulls, LOST 14-26
2014 v Bulls, WON 25-20
2015 v Highlanders, WON 56-20