Kirwan excited about Masterton match

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has unique memories of playing rugby in Masterton, but predicts his young charges will have a different experience next month when they take on the Hurricanes in their first pre-season Super Rugby clash.

“We used to play in Masterton a bit back in my day and the last time I played there a Frenchman chucked a rooster onto the field, it was a bit of a trend back then, so if our game is anything like that there should be a fantastic atmosphere,” Sir John says.

The Blues will take on the Hurricanes in their first pre-season game on Saturday February 1 at Memorial Park in Masterton. It will be an opportunity for both teams to give their players a run around and assess positional play. But it will also be a great opportunity for rugby fans to watch some of the country’s top level players up close in the flesh.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a great way to start the season and the boys can’t wait to get out there as well,” Sir John says.

“It’s always good to travel to the provinces, albeit in the Hurricanes region, but it’s great for the locals that will get to the opportunity to watch some Super Rugby.”

With the Blues announcing an exciting squad that sees the arrival of Benji Marshall and the return of Jerome Kaino, Ma’a Nonu and Tony Woodcock, the stands at Memorial Park are filling up fast.

Event manager Rosie Broughton says that with only three weeks to go there are still a handful of corporate tickets available online and plenty of general admission tickets left.

Tickets cost $25 adults, children under 12 $15, corporate tickets $130. Visit tui.co.nz.

– Wairarapa News