Community buzzing ahead of Super match

UP FOR IT: Hurricanes new recruit Jason Woodward can't wait to have one of his first hit-outs of the 2015 season at the Eketahuna Rugby Club on January 31 against the Crusaders. PHOTO/KEVIN BILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

Tickets to January's pre-season Super Rugby game between the Hurricanes and Crusaders at the Eketahuna Rugby Club go on sale next Tuesday.

The game being held on Saturday, January 31 will see the small township of Eketahuna, a 20-minute drive north of Masterton, swell with pride, says Dennis "Doc" Dougherty.

"We've already had such a positive response from the wider community in getting in behind the game and I've no doubt it will be a huge success," says Dougherty, president of the Eketahuna Rugby Club, which celebrated its 125th anniversary earlier this year.

Nick Rogers, DB's commercial manager, says January's game will be a special experience for an expected 4000 rugby fans and for the players.

"Tui has always championed bringing the big game of Super Rugby back to provincial New Zealand and next year will be no exception," he says.

"It's also fitting that this game is announced when the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka and the Eketahuna Rugby club are celebrating their 125th years ... as such, we expect the 4000 tickets to be snaffled up fast."

Hurricanes new recruit and fullback Jason Woodward says he can't wait to have one of his first hit-outs of the 2015 season at Eketahuna. The 24-year-old who has had two years playing with the Melbourne Rebels, says playing in heartland New Zealand will be a real joy.

"I am really excited to get out and play rugby in the smaller towns because the community support and atmosphere is just awesome," he says.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play for the Hurricanes and I can't wait to hit the ground running in Eke."

Woodward will be joined by other new Hurricanes recruits including Rey Leelo, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vince Aso, Geoffrey Cridge and Willis Halaholo.

January's game follows the four previous sold-out pre-season games involving the Hurricanes franchise - three of which have been played at Mangatainoka, next to Tui Brewery, and the 2014 game played at Memorial Park in Masterton.

Mr Rogers, who has championed all four games to date, says having two of Super Rugby's most passionate franchises in the Hurricanes and Crusaders come to Eketahuna will provide rugby fans with an exciting game of footy and be a great family day out.

"The last time these two teams met in Mangatainoka it was all go with the Crusaders coming away with a great win.

"It'll be anyone's guess who takes the victory this time round but what is certain is how exciting the game will be. I think fans should get in fast to snap up the tickets before they sell out," he says.

The Eketahuna Rugby Club grounds can accommodate 4000 rugby fans and will see pre- and post-game entertainment as well as an array of guest speakers, while passionate fans are expected to turn out in their regional colours or colourful costumes.

Tickets will be available through PGG Wrightson Stores and at Tui HQ, SH2, Mangatainoka. Prices are $40 for general admission and $130pp for corporate tickets.