Hurricanes Development to christen new turf in Masterton

Taranaki’s Iopu Iopu-Aso has signed with the Hurricanes until the end of 2016.

The Hurricanes Development side has been named to face the Chiefs Development in a match that will mark the opening of Trust House Memorial Park’s $2.1million artificial turf in Masterton.

This match will also mark the end of the Hurricanes Development season, with coach Darren Larsen saying it was a good opportunity for the side to focus on the future.

“We’ve got a number of under 20 players fronting tomorrow, along with provincial union players who will be vying for a spot in their respective ITM Cup teams, so it’s another opportunity for them to have a run and show what they’re capable of.

“We’ve also got a few of the Hurricanes squad in our starting XV, so there’s a good mix of youth and professional players who will be out there on this new turf.”

Larsen said the team was looking forward to trying out the new surface in what is thought to be the first professional rugby match to be played on artificial turf, in New Zealand.

“We think it will have a bit of an effect on the speed of the game and things like that, but we’re keen to get up there tomorrow afternoon and give it a once-over so the boys know what they’re in for.”

This will be the fourth and last match of the year for the Hurricanes, having lost to the Crusader Knights in their first match, then beating the Chiefs and Blues more recently.

“We’ve got a pretty good record against the Chiefs, so they’ll be keen to throw everything at us tomorrow night,” said Larsen.

“We’re thrilled to be involved in the opening of this new and improved Memorial Park, so we’ll be doing our best to put on a good show for the community and fans who come out to share in the occasion.”

The Hurricanes Development team to face the Chiefs Development at Trust House Memorial Park in Masterton, kick-off 7.30pm is;

Tolu Fahamakioa (Hawke’s Bay)
James O’Reilly (Wellington)
Ben May (Hurricanes)
Tom Parsons (Manawatu)
Vaea Fifita (Wellington)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Manawatu)
Adam Hill (Wellington)
Iopu Iopu-Aso (Taranaki)
Frae Wilson (Wellington)
Jackson Garden-Bachop (Wellington)
Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay)
Willis Halaholo (Southland)
Matt Proctor (Wellington)
Mason Emerson (Hawke’s Bay)
Sam McNicol (Wellington)

Reserves
16. Mike Feagai (Hawke’s Bay)
17. Adrian Barone (Manawatu)
18. Tim Cadwallader (Manawatu)
19. Sanailia Waqa (Hawke’s Bay)
20. Antonio Kirikiri (Manawatu)
21. Adam Deck (Wellington)
22. Ope Peleseuma (Wellington)
23. Shannon Chase (Hawke’s Bay)