Chiefs to play in Fiji

FILE

The Gallagher Chiefs will play the Crusaders in Fiji in Round 15 of next year's Investec Super Rugby.

The unique fixture is the result of an extensive amount of work by multiple parties who were eager to have more top class rugby in the Pacific Islands.

Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman said "We know how much the Pacific Island people love their rugby and this year's test match between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks was testament to that.

"This is a great opportunity to take the Gallagher Chiefs to Fiji and help promote the game in their country. Fijians have added a huge amount to New Zealand's rugby heritage and it is fitting that we can give something back as well as expose our brand in a new territory,' he said.

"The fixture is a culmination of a lot of hard work by numerous parties, none more so than the game promoter Fortress Information Systems and the Government of Fiji. We should also acknowledge the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and our players for their support in this venture."

There is great excitement within Fiji Tourism and the Government of Fiji about showcasing Fiji and its national stadium in Suva alongside the Fijian people's love of rugby.

The match will be accessible for the local people with Fortress willing to provide discounted tickets for Fijian citizens to watch the match.

Exclusive 'Chiefs Road Crew' tour packages will be available soon for those rugby fans that would like to be part of this special match and all 2016 members will automatically go in the draw to win 'The Ultimate Chiefs Experience' which is a trip for two to Fiji to watch their team take on the BNZ Crusaders.

The Chiefs will continue their commitment to take Investec Super Rugby to as many parts of their region when they play their two pre-season games against the Waratahs in the Bay of Plenty and the Blues in Counties Manukau.

Mr Flexman said they were still deciding on a venue for the pre-season match against the Waratahs.

He said nothing was locked in of yet, in terms of which venue or city it would be held, and Rotorua was not out of the question. He said they hoped to make that announcement in the coming weeks.

They will also return to Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth for their Round 10 match against the Sharks.

"We are a truly regional team and cover a vast area so want to connect with as many of our supporters as possible," said Mr Flexman.

Current members are invited to renew now and new membership enquiries can be made through www.chiefs.co.nz.

Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Pre-season Fixtures

Friday 12 February: Gallagher Chiefs v Waratahs, Bay of Plenty
Friday 19 February: Chiefs v Blues, Counties Manukau

Gallagher Chiefs 2016 Investec Super Rugby Home Fixtures

Saturday 5 March : Gallagher Chiefs v Lions, 5.15pm FMG Stadium, Waikato.
Saturday 26 March: Gallagher Chiefs v Western Force, 7.35pm FMG Stadium,
Waikato.
Friday 8 April: Gallagher Chiefs v Blues, 7.35pm FMG Stadium, Waikato.
Friday 29 April: Gallagher Chiefs v Sharks, 7.35pm Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth.
Saturday 7 May: Gallagher Chiefs v Highlanders, 7.35pm FMG Stadium, Waikato.

Saturday 21 May: Gallagher Chiefs v Rebels, 7.35pm FMG Stadium, Waikato.
Friday 1 July: Gallagher Chiefs v BNZ Crusaders, 7.35pm ANZ Stadium, Suva, Fiji.