Kia ora,

Can you believe that we're almost at the end of January already? The club season and Super Rugby are coming up quickly. It has been awesome seeing all of our Super Rugby players putting in the work in preseason training. 

Don't forget that the Manawatū Rugby Annual General Meeting is happening on 26 March. There are five Board of Directors positions and four Club Rugby Executive positions be filled. If think you've got what it takes, get your nomination in by 5pm 14 February. You can download nomination forms here.

HURRICANES TICKETS ON SALE 1 FEBRUARY

We are only 56 days away from the Hurricanes/Hurricanes Poua double-header in Palmerston North. Select presale tickets are currently available here, while the rest of the tickets go on sale 1 February. 

Double-Header, Friday 22 March at Central Energy Trust Arena

Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa, 4.35pm

Hurricanes v Melbourne Rebels, 7.05pm

ACADEMY PLAYERS AIMING FOR HURRICANES UNDER 20s

Our Academy squad has been getting ready for Hurricanes Under 20s trials. Earlier this week the players took part in a Bronco test in 28 degree heat, with  loose forward Mosese Bason (pictured, right) finishing quickest.

The Manawatū Academy team will player Hurricanes Under 20 trial matches against Hawke's Bay and Wellington next month.

  • Manawatū Academy v Hawke's Bay Academy                               
  • Saturday 10 February, 1pm
  • At Hawke's Bay Rugby Union, 3 Orotu Drive, Napier 

 

  • Manawatū Academy v Wellington Academy                                  
  • Saturday 24 February, 1pm
  • At Massey University

The Hurricanes Under 20 squad is due to be announced at the end of February.

NEW LEADING COACH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

As part of Manawatū Rugby's Pathways and Performance Strategy, we have established the Leading Coaches Programme to develop local coaches. This week, local coaches Kingi Matenga, Hayden Triggs, Slade Sturmey and Ethan Henare, along with Whanganui Collegiate's Tafai Ioasa attended a three-day workshop with coach developer Rusty Earnshaw from the Magic Academy. This was an opportunity for the coaches to upskill and gain new knowledge to take back to their teams. 

To find out more about the Leading Coaches Programme, you can email Mike Rogers at miker@manawaturugby.co.nz.

MRU IN THE COMMUNITY -  4412 PAIA WHĀNAU CONNECT

Best Care Whakapai Hauora reached out to us to take part in last month's 4412 Paia Whānau Connect event. The event featured live music, stalls and activities, with the aim being to give back to the community in the 4412 postcode.  

Manawatū Rugby put out a rippa rugby field for people of all ages to have a go with a few of the Cyclones players. It was an awesome day to be a part of and a great turn out from the community.