THE ‘NUA ARE HEADING TO THE GARDEN

THE NUA ARE HEADING TO THE GARDEN

For the first time in 24 years, Horowhenua Kapiti will be heading to the Garden of Eden, the iconic Eden Park.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of the Auckland RFU and CEO Jarrod Bear, the Horowhenua Kapiti Heartland team will be facing South Canterbury at Eden Park, in Auckland, on Sunday the 22nd of September.

Horowhenua Kapiti Chief Executive Officer Corey Kennet explains, “We have been trying to make this initiative work for a few years. I am so very appreciative of the opportunity, playing at Eden Park will be a special experience not just for the team, but also for the whole Union, as it would be a career highlight for players, management, and supporters.

This is a momentous occasion, as the last time the Nua played at Eden Park was in 2000 against Ngāti Porou East Coast. The Nua have only played on Eden Park a handful of times, this occasion would make it the 4th”.

The first ever game Horowhenua played at Eden Park was in 1980, with the Ranfurly Shield on the line against Auckland, and the exact same game was replicated in 1986. This was followed by the match against Ngāti Porou East Coast in 2000.

Meanwhile South Canterbury last played their in 1979 against Auckland in a 1st Division match on the 4th September losing 42 to 3.

South Canterbury CEO Tim Hyde-Smith also commented, “South Canterbury rugby is excited for the wonderful opportunity presented to us by Horowhenua Kapiti to be able to play at Eden Park. We look forward to seeing as many supporters as possible from both Unions coming along and enjoying watching our boys playing on the grass of Eden Park. A massive thank you to Corey Kennett from Horowhenua Kapiti for making this game a reality”.

The match on Sunday the 22nd of September will be a triple header with Farah Palmer Cup teams Auckland Storm vs Hawkes Bay Tui kicking things off at 11.35am, followed by Auckland vs Southland NPC match at 2.05pm, with our boys, Horowhenua Kapiti, finishing things off vs South Canterbury.

The Horowhenua-Kapiti Union are immensely thankful to Auckland RFU, the staff at Eden Park, New Zealand Rugby, and South Canterbury RFU for enabling this game to come to life. We can’t wait for our Union and community to relish this experience.

The countdown is on… “UPTHENUA” or is that “Go Tim & Ru”