The next week will be a hive of activity in preparation for the thousands of rugby fans expected to arrive in Mangatainoka, the small township nestled amongst rolling farmland in the Tararua district.
Nick Rogers, who runs the visitor experience at Tui Brewery says excitement is building for next Saturday’s Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and the Blues. The township is abuzz with everyone pulling together to ensure the welcome mat is out.
“It’s been a long time between drinks here at the Mangatainoka RFC and we’re so excited to welcome back the Hurricanes to our wee slice of rural paradise,” says Nick, who originally came up with the idea to turn a local paddock into a rugby pitch to host the Hurricanes in 2010.
“The last time th Hurricanes played here was in 2012 and it was a cracker of a game against the Crusaders. We can’t wait until they face off against the Blues again as it’s always a close encounter. Coupled with that, the field looks amazing and the grandstand is almost built. Come next week, the corporate village and supporting infrastructure will all be done and the welcome mat laid out.”
Nick says Kerry Fergus, who leases the farm on which the Mangatainoka RFC is located, has put in countless hours of work to prepare the ground while a team of volunteers has worked overtime to create the temporary grandstand which will accommodate approximately 5000 rugby fans on Saturday, 9th February. Also ensuring things run smoothly in the VIP area are Raymond van Rijk and Tom van Rijk from Raymond’s BBQ Gourmet, who have catered at every Tui Brewery organised game.
Tickets are still available for the main game which kicks off at 3pm however Nick encourages people to arrive early for the 1pm curtain raiser between the New Zealand Parliamentary team and the Mangatainoka Barbarians RFC team. Included in the New Zealand Parliamentary team are co-captains Mark Mitchell and Minister Damien O’Connor, Ministers Kris Faafoi, Stuart Nash and Penni Henare as well as MPs Kieran McAnulty, Clayton Mitchell, Paul Goldsmith, Alfred Ngaro, Paul Eagle, Greg O’Connor and Hamish Walker.
“There’s going to be two terrific games of rugby played and being so early in the season it’s anyone’s guess which way the result will go for both teams. Regardless, the team at Tui Brewery is stoked to be hosting this event in what is an epic year for rugby – culminating in the Rugby World Cup in Japan.”
There are a limited number of tickets left for Battle at the Brewery to ensure an intimate atmosphere at the game. Ticket holders are encouraged to turn out in their regional colours and, in addition to two great games of rugby, they will enjoy an entertaining day out. There will also be prizes up for grabs for fans who go above and beyond with their fancy dress.
Tui has teamed up with key match day supporters to make the day possible, including:
Big Barrel, More FM, Norwood, PGG Wrightson, Printcraft and Steens Honey, as well as Panasonic – the Half Time Supporter who will give some lucky fans the chance to kick for goal to be into win a 43” Smart TV.
DETAILS:
What: Battle at the Brewery
Super Rugby pre-season game between the Hurricanes and Blues
When: Saturday, 9th February 2019
Where: Mangatainoka RFC
Times: Gates open 12.30pm
Curtain Raiser: 1pm
Kick off: 3pm.
Cost:
$50 GA – ADULT
$20 GA – CHILD
$140 CORPORATE – VIP pp.
$80 ADULTS SUPPORTERS PACK – SOLD OUT
All tickets are available to purchase from www.tuihq.co.nz or at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. Tickets can be purchased online until 12pm, Tuesday 5 February. GA tickets are also available from local PGG Wrightson and Norwood Stores until Friday 8 February, while stocks last. Once you’ve purchased your tickets, head to www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby to enter to be in the draw to be part of the half time entertainment and a chance to win a Panasonic 43” 4K Ultra High Definition Smart TV.
For bus or train ticket deals – please visit www.tranzit.co.nz or www.mainlinesteam.co.nz.
For all match day information visit www.tuihq.co.nz/rugby.