Yarrow Stadium Secures Second All Blacks Test Match

The All Blacks are returning to Yarrow Stadium next year – and they’re bringing the Irish with them.

Ireland and New Zealand will face off at Yarrow Stadium on 12 June 2010, making this the second time the All Blacks have played in front of their fans in New Plymouth.

Taranaki Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Mark Robinson says last year’s sell-out test match against Samoa proved that Yarrow Stadium could host a smooth-running and highly successful test match.

“The challenge is now for Taranaki people to make this one of the best regions to play a test in,” he says.

“While we’ve secured this world-class test match, we want to keep bringing them to Yarrow Stadium and to do that we have to ensure the buzz around the event – the functions, parties and street decorations of the broader festival feel, which everyone can have a hand in.”

TRFU Chairman Peter Crawford says the test match against the current Six Nations Champions is a wonderful acknowledgement of the 125th anniversary of the union in 2010.

“Being granted a test match against a tier one side like Ireland in our anniversary year is fantastic recognition from the New Zealand Rugby Union about the strength of rugby in Taranaki,” says Crawford.

“It also acknowledges that Yarrow Stadium and the TRFU, with support from New Plymouth District Council and Venture Taranaki, are significant players in the national and international rugby scene.”

Robinson is looking forward to seeing the huge support from local fans for both the All Blacks and Ireland when they step onto the field.

“I’m sure Ireland will be happy to get an early look at the ground before they return here in 2011 for their Rugby World Cup match in New Plymouth. Who knows, wouldn’t it be great to host the Irish here during Rugby World Cup – let’s make sure they enjoy themselves and feel very welcome!” he says.

The TRFU is currently in the process of finalising ticketing arrangements for the match. Tickets are expected to go on sale in early May.

At this stage it is likely that all 2010 TRFU Season Ticket holders will receive preferential match ticketing. To keep up with the latest developments, fans are encouraged to register for the TRFU newsletter via www.trfu.co.nz.

New Plymouth District Mayor Peter Tennent says Mark Robinson and his team at the TRFU have done a magnificent job in working with the NZRU to secure another All Blacks test match.

“This is the second time in three years the All Blacks will be in New Plymouth, and I want to thank the NZRU for having the faith in the TRFU to deliver another amazing experience for the players and fans alike,” says Mayor Pete.

“Taranaki has proved time and again that visitors to major sports and cultural events leave here buzzing about the great experience they’ve had – and this All Blacks-Ireland test match will top them all.

“Taranaki is passionate about its rugby and this event is going to be another massive shot in the arm for the sport.”

Venture Taranaki CEO Stuart Trundle says that this is a great outcome for the unique Team Taranaki approach to bidding to host major international events in the region.

“Hosting an All Blacks game of this magnitude sends a strong statement for the region’s efforts towards its three major matches as part of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

“We’re demonstrating the way Taranaki does business: A unique, collaborative and successful approach that knows no boundaries,” says Mr Trundle.