Kia ora, 

Senior 1 club rugby kicks off this long weekend with some big time match ups. We've got a rematch of last year's final and a Johnston Park derby. This weekend also marks the return of Linton Army and Feilding Old Boys-Ōroua to the top grade.

Being Easter weekend, we have a game on Thursday night and three on Friday afternoon. 

Linton Army v Kia Toa
Thursday 28 March, 6.30pm, Linton Army Camp 1

College Old Boys v Varsity
Friday 29 March, 2.45pm, Central Energy Trust Arena 3

Old Boys-Marist v Te Kawau
Friday 29 March, 2.45pm, Central Energy Trust Arena 4

Feilding Old Boys-Ōroua v Feilding Yellows
Friday 29 March, 2.45pm, Johnston Park 1

HURRICANES HIT PALMY 

Last week was a big one for the team at MRU, as Palmerston North played host to the Hurricanes/Hurricanes Poua double header. 

On Thursday we teamed up with the Hurricanes for visits to eight local schools. The kids absolutely loved it and it really showed the value in players getting out and connecting with the community, especially their young fans. Later in the day the Hurricanes held an open training and signing session. 

In the lead up to the double header we ran a number of competitions to give a few lucky fans unique Hurricanes experiences. The Neemia family won breakfast with four Hurricanes players on game day. Mina McRoberts won the ‘Cane for the Day competition, which gave her and her family sideline seats during the Hurricanes v Rebels game. Lastly, we teamed up with More FM to find a Hurricanes Junior Reporter to help More FM’s Gareth Pringle MC the games. Winner Oscar Hansen-Wall did an incredible job and has a bright future behind a microphone.  

On game day it was great to see Manawatū Cyclones Rachael Rakatau, Kahurangi Sturmey, Elinor-Plum King, Rhiarna Ferris, Layla Sae, Sam Taylor, 
Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker, and Paige Lush play for the Hurricanes Poua. Special mention goes to try-scorer Plum and Te Uarangi, who made her debut. 

The Hurricanes consolidated their position at top of the table with a 54-28 win over the Rebels. Turbos captain Brayden Iose made an appearance off the bench after strong performances in the number 8 jersey over the previous three rounds.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Central Energy Trust Arena and made it a special evening.  

MOSESE BASON NAMED SUPER RUGBY U20 MVP

Manawatū Rugby Academy member Mosese Bason was named MVP of the recent Super Rugby U20 tournament in Taupō. Mosese was a stand out at number 8 for the third-placed Hurricanes. 

Manawatū had a strong presence in the tournament, with academy players Vernon Bason, Sam Coles, Liam O'Connor, Jai Tamati, and Pita Manamanaivalu also in the Hurricanes team. Moses Armstrong-Ravula and John Samuelu represented Moana Pasifika in the tournament.

MRU AT RELAY FOR LIFE

Our staff and their whānau had a great time taking part in the Relay for Life last weekend. The MRU team finished 22nd with 451 laps (180.4 km). A special mention goes to the Walker family, who were at the event, keeping things on track for the full 24 hours.