Super Rugby fever coming with McLean Park to host Hurricanes vs Sharks

HBRU chief executive Mike Bishop, flanked by Super players Jonah Lowe (left) and Gareth Evans, expects big crowds at McLean Park for next year's Hurricanes Super Rugby match against the Sharks. Photo / Paul Taylor

Super Rugby fever is set to hit Hawke's Bay with the announcement that the Hurricanes and Sharks will go head to head at McLean Park in Napier next year.

The round eight match on Friday, April 6 will follow a home opener for the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium against the defending Investec Super Rugby champions Crusaders on March 10.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Union chief executive Mike Bishop said the fixture was great news for local fans, who would get the opportunity to support the Magpies players contracted to the Hurricanes side.

"To have the Hurricanes in town playing the Sharks for the first time, and coming out of summer as the club rugby season is about to start, is fantastic."

Mr Bishop expected full crowds at the 10,000-seat capacity venue and promised some exciting rugby would be on offer.

"Both teams look to move the ball so it will be great to watch in terms of running rugby."

Five Magpies players have been contracted by the Hurricanes franchise for the Super Rugby season: Ben May, Geoff Cridge, Jonah Lowe, Gareth Evans and Ihaia West.

Although new signings to the Hurricanes, Evans and West are experienced players who are looking forward to the opportunity.

Back in the Bay after a pre-season stint on an injury replacement contract with the Hurricanes, Lowe said he had been mainly training with the Wellington-based team from last December until about July this year.

"I've got a four-week break now until the end of November and then I will head down to Wellington to start over again."

He said he was keen to make his Hurricanes run-on debut during the 2018 Super Rugby campaign.

The McLean Park match will be the 11th time the Hurricanes have played a home match in Napier since they beat Transvaal 32-16 in 1996.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said taking matches to the regions remained a firm priority for the organisation.

"We see all of our regional partners as playing an important role in the club. Over the past two years Hawke's Bay has run a fantastic match-day experience at McLean Park and I know our players and coaches are already looking forward to returning in 2018.

"The Hurricanes will continue to take big matches to the regions and we are already in discussions with Manawatu about hosting a match in Palmerston North in 2019."

Napier mayor Bill Dalton said the Hurricanes had become a regular and popular feature of the city's annual events calendar.

"Working to secure this game for Napier in partnership with the Hawke's Bay Ruby Union and Hurricanes management has paid off in the best way possible.

"We're looking forward to hosting local, national and international sports fans at McLean Park. While they are here I'm sure they will take the opportunity to enjoy Napier and explore our wonderful region."

Hawke's Bay and Hurricanes members will gain priority access to tickets when they go on public sale next February at www.ticketdirect.co.nz