Hawke's Bay Rugby Union commercial manager Dan Somerville said the jersey design that includes a classic farmers checked shirt pattern was chosen in partnership with apparel sponsors O'Neills, and after consultation with fans and partners.
Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Dan Somerville on The Country below:
"We wanted to do something very different from the traditional Magpies jersey and acknowledge the farmers. Many farming families live, play and breathe rugby and travel a long way to support the Magpies at McLean Park," he said.
Several Magpies team members have roots in the rural community, and attended drought shout events earlier this year.
To provide some more perspective, Peter Kay and former All Black Mick Duncan will attend training this week to talk to the Magpies about the challenges faced by farmers, and unveil the jerseys to the team.
Total Oil chief executive Reuben Thickpenny is delighted to support the farming community after a tough year.
"We are proud to support Hawke's Bay farmers, and show our appreciation for everything they do for our region," said Thickpenny.
The civil defence drought response was led by the Rural Advisory Group, made up of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council , Beef and Lamb NZ, Ministry for Primary Industries, East Coast Rural Support Trust, NZ Fire Service NZ and Federated Farmers.
Rural Advisory Group chair Lochie MacGillivray said the group worked with HBRU to help bring the idea of a game dedicated to farmers to life, engage with farmers to get them off the farm, and enjoy a game of footy.
"After such a prolonged and complicated drought, our farmers deserve and need a night off the farm, to connect with others, and have a good time. We hope to see many of them to cheer on the team this Saturday," MacGillivray said.
Organisers were encouraging fans to head along to the park and "chuck a pair of gumboots and a swanndri on and show our farming community that we all care".
