Crusaders, Hurricanes to clash in Eke

The Hurricane's Jack Lam hammers Crusader's Ryan Crotty during the match between Hurricanes v Crusaders in round 17 of the 2014 Investec Super 15 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

The Eketahuna Rugby Club has scored a coup with Tui Brewery -- in true No 8 kiwi style -- bringing Super Rugby to the Tararua town early next year.

The club, which marked 125 years of rugby with jubilee celebrations this year, will host a Crusaders v Hurricanes pre-season clash on January 31.

This follows the success of four sold-out games involving the Hurricanes franchise -- three at Mangatainoka, next to Tui Brewery, and this season's game at Memorial Park in Masterton.

DB commercial manager Nick Rogers, who has championed all pre-season games to date, said: "We've always believed in bringing the big game of Super Rugby back to provincial New Zealand and it's exciting next year's game will be held in Eketahuna ...

"Like the previous games held in Mangatainoka and in Masterton, we expect this game to be embraced by everyone in the region."

Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni said Eketahuna would be a unique experience for fans and for the players.

"Playing at Eke epitomises grassroots rugby and we know there's a strong rugby community up there who will be thrilled to see the Hurricanes in their backyard," he said.

The decision to hold the game at Eketahuna was made because the Mangatainoka RFC ground was unavailable.

Temporary seating at the Eketahuna Rugby Grounds will allow 4000 ticket-holders to be accommodated. Tickets will go on sale on November 11.