The Hurricanes are bringing Super Rugby Pacific back to the Bay, securing Napier’s McLean Park for their match against Fijian Drua on February 22, 2025.

The Round Two fixture, which doubles as the Hurricanes’ first home game, will be the fourteenth time the regional game has been taken to McLean Park, which last saw the team take on the Western Force in 2021.  

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said he was delighted to be taking a Super Rugby game back to Hawke’s Bay.

“We’re excited to announce that our first home game will be played in Napier at McLean Park. The Hawke’s Bay community has always shown incredible support for our team, and connecting with our wider Hurricanes region is very important to us. This is a particularly special opportunity for the Hawke’s Bay players in our squad, as they’ll have the chance to play in front of their family and friends.”

Hawke’s Bay Rugby CEO, Jay Campbell, shared his enthusiasm and added:

“It’s brilliant to have the Hurricanes returning to the Bay. I know our fans and community will embrace the opportunity to see the ‘Canes on our turf and hopefully the Drua will feel at home in the Hawke’s Bay February heat. Hurricanes, McLean Park, Saturday afternoon in February – it doesn’t get any better and will be an epic occasion and celebration of Super Rugby Pacific!’

Napier Mayor, Kirsten Wise, was equally excited about Super Rugby coming back to the Hawke’s Bay region:

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Hurricanes back to McLean Park after a three-year gap. The opportunity to host a game in February wouldn’t have been possible in previous years due to the cricket season in full swing, but with just the drop in cricket tray in place now, we can transform the ground from cricket to rugby in days. It’s going to be an action-packed summer, and we couldn’t be more excited!”

Hurricanes Assistant Coach and Hawke’s Bay native, Bryn Evans added: “It’s a full circle moment to be bringing the Hurricanes to my home turf. These regional games are such a special chance to connect with the local community, and we know the people of Hawke’s Bay love a bit of rugby! I’ve got great memories of playing at McLean Park myself, so can’t wait to see the boys rip in and hopefully provide a thrilling game of rugby for the fans.”

The Hurricanes take on Fijian Drua in Round Two of Super Rugby Pacific, kicking off 4:35pm, Saturday 22 February 2025 at McLean Park, Napier.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale, Wednesday 30 October 2024.