Super Rugby To Celebrate Culture Round

Super Rugby Pacific will celebrate the many facets of culture during Round 12 of the competition, kicking off on Friday 10 May.

From First Nations artwork to Pasifika music and dance, from traditional dress to identity embedded in club heritage, the competition’s Culture Round will showcase the diverse cultures brought together by rugby.

“Culture Round is an important opportunity for us to recognise how Super Rugby Pacific brings together people from so many different backgrounds,” Super Rugby Pacific Chair Kevin Malloy said.

“By sharing our traditions with one another this week, we can celebrate our cultural differences while at the same time nurturing mutual respect and understanding.

“Whether it be through dress, dance, language or song, I encourage all fans to celebrate their own culture, and to take the opportunity to learn about other cultures that make up our great game.”

Moana Pasifika kick off Culture Round against the Chiefs on Friday night, with fans to be entertained by Pasifika performances before the game.

The Queensland Reds and Western Force will champion the multicultural nature of their clubs and communities through traditional dress and dance performances at their respective home games, while encouraging fans in the stands to also showcase their cultural pride.

The Blues are rolling out a half-price ‘grassroots’ ticket deal for Auckland rugby clubs for their clash with the Hurricanes, along with a traditional Māori whakatau to welcome the teams and an opportunity for fans to mingle with the players on the field after full-time.

The Highlanders and Crusaders will revitalise memories of their famous clash in the 1999 Super Rugby Final, with both teams wearing heritage-themed jerseys and highlighting how the legacy of past players has contributed to their club cultures today.

The NSW Waratahs will wear a First Nations jersey designed by Indigenous winger Dylan Pietsch for their showdown with the ACT Brumbies, while the Australian match officials managing the Reds match against Melbourne Rebels will also don a First Nations jersey.

Fans should stay tuned to their favourite club’s social media channels this week for more information about promotions and activities to celebrate Culture Round.

Culture Round match schedule:

Friday 10 May
Moana Pasifika vs. Chiefs, 5.05pm AEST / 7.05pm NZST, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Reds vs. Rebels, 7.35pm AEST / 9.35pm NZST, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Saturday 11 May
Blues vs. Hurricanes, 2.35pm AEST / 4.35pm NZST, Eden Park, Auckland
Highlanders vs. Crusaders, 5.05pm AEST / 7.05pm NZST, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Waratahs vs. Brumbies, 7.35pm AEST / 9.35pm NZST, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Force vs. Fijian Drua, 7.55pm AWST / 9.55pm AEST / 11.55pm NZST, HBF Park, Perth