Highlanders to Host Hurricanes in pre-season fixture

Highlanders’ supporters will recall in-season matches and post season games being played at the home of the Highlanders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, but never a preseason game under the roof.

That changes in 2024.

Pre-season games are about exciting new combinations, where previously lesser-known players stake a claim for a starting jersey, and international imports get their first taste of the speed and impact of Super Rugby in New Zealand. 

On Saturday 10th February, a limited number of rugby-loving public in Dunedin will be able to experience all this when the Highlanders take on the Hurricanes in a pre-season trial under the roof. 

The second preseason hit out for the Highlanders of 2024, will be another chance for the new generation of Highlanders to test their mettle against a team who have welcomed back experienced campaigners such as Brad Shields and TJ Perenara. Perenara, just back from a long-term Achilles injury, will have plenty to play for after losing his spot to teammate (new All Black) Cam Roigard during 2023. 

Highlanders’ Welsh international Rhys Patchell will be able to experience his new home conditions for the first time and will relish the opportunity to show Highlanders fans what he can do alongside other exciting backline additions like Timoci Tavatavanawai (Moana Pasifika) and Tanielu Tele’a (Blues). 

Club Members are looking forward to the early season treat with one member excited for the early start, “Getting an opportunity like this before the actual season starts is awesome, and one we haven’t had before - so looking forward to seeing what the Highlanders and Hurricanes might be like in 2024”.

This game will kick off at 1pm (local time) on Saturday and be played and three thirty-minute thirds with the Speight’s Stand opening for a limited number of tickets (available here).  

Highlanders’ 2024 Club Members will be able to access this game with the membership cards as an additional benefit of their Club Membership. The game will be operating with General Admission (GA) seating in the Speight’s Stand meaning there will be no allocated seats and fans can choose where to view the game. Food and beverage will be available as well as the 2024 merchandise range from new apparel partner Classic.