Chiefs Pre-season Paddock Clash in Mangatainoka

Waikato’s Chiefs kick off their season literally in grass roots in style next week as they take on the Hurricanes from Wellington in Mangatainoka.

Rugby action returns to Mangatainoka Rugby Football Club grounds - in the heart of Tui Brewery country - on 29 January in a highly anticipated pre-cursor to the start of Super 15 Rugby competition.

For their first game of the pre-season, the Chiefs take on the Hurricanes on a paddock usually used for grazing sheep rather than the stadia they are more accustomed to.

In addition to the main event, the Mangatainoka RFC rugby pitch is playing host to a truly grass-roots moment as a Mangatainoka RFC Invitation XV takes on a Kiwi musicians XV which includes the likes of Aaron Tokona (ex Weta) and song writers Annah Mac and Kristin Macdonald who won the Play It Strange songwriting competition.

Making up the numbers and giving the musicians both a sporting chance and some rugby firepower are Steve Walters (NZI Sevens general manager), ex-Black Ferns Regina Sheck, Erin Rush and Rebecca Liuaana and current Black Fern Rebecca Mahoney.

And there’s some additional support from the touchline from Mike Chunn (ex Split Enz and Citizen Band), now CEO of Play it Strange, who is taking on Graham Henry’s role for the afternoon.

Tui Brewery brand manager Nick Rogers says it’s a great way to kick-off a huge year of rugby for New Zealand.

“Everyone knows 2011 is going to be big so we’re kicking it off with another great Mangatainoka encounter between two giants of the game. It’s fantastic to have the Chiefs and Hurricanes play here in this big year of rugby.”

Chief’s supporters can expect a big welcome to the game with a free beer* included in the general admission ticket price of $35 for up to one hour before kick-off.

Corporate tickets can also be purchased for $125 which includes a great Kiwi Gourmet Lunch and beverage package, game programme, reserved seating, a splendid Tui cap and a copy of one of the brand’s renowned calendars.


And being so close to the Tui Brewery, which is just over the road, people travelling for the game should definitely make a side visit to the brewery shop which is open from 9am to 1pm on the day. A shrine to all things Tui, it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir of a rugby pilgrimage to Mangatainoka.



Timeline for Saturday 29 January:

12.30pm: Gates open MRFC

1pm: Kiwi Musos vs. Mangatainoka RFC Invitation XV

3pm: Hurricanes vs. Chiefs

5pm-6.30pm: After- match speeches, live band

7pm: Close