Super Rugby Comes to Newcastle

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

NHRU WELCOMES NSW WARATAHS ANNOUNCEMENT

General Manager of Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union, Andy Fairfull, said today’s announcement that the NSW Waratahs would play a Super Rugby match in Newcastle next year was testament to the strength of rugby in the Hunter Region.

“This is a great announcement for all the players and officials who support rugby in the region and I’m sure we will have a huge crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium next March,” said Andy.

“The NSW Waratahs are very popular in Newcastle and the Hunter and their match against Japan Sunwolves will be a highlight of the 2019 season.”

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes, announced today that McDonald Jones Stadium at Broadmeadow would be the venue for the clash between The Waratahs and the Sunwolves on Friday, 29 March. NSW Rugby said eight Super Rugby home games would be played at several venues in 2019 as a result of the rebuilding of Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

The Lord Mayor said the announcement broke new ground for The NSW Waratahs and the City of Newcastle as it would be the first time the State team has played a Super Rugby home game outside of Sydney.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes with Harry-Johnson Holmes, Rugby AU Delegates, NHRU’s Andy Fairful and Hunter Juniors.

Andy Fairfull said Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) would work hard between now and next March to ensure that the Super Rugby match was a success.

This included the NHRU, the NSW Waratahs and NSW Rugby Union working together in regards to organising NSW Waratah player interactions, coaching clinics, coaching days and any possible ‘curtain raiser’ games to the Super Rugby event.

“The immediate reaction to today’s announcement has been one of support from rugby followers,” said Andy.

“The Hunter has a large drawing area for rugby and previous initiatives, such as the Wallabies training in the Hunter this year, have drawn a big response.

“We’ll work with NSW Rugby and associated organisations to make sure rugby followers will experience a great event at McDonald Jones Stadium while providing strong support for The Waratahs.”

He said the NHRU was now awaiting an announcement about the Hunter Region possibly being the host for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

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Media inquiries can be directed to GM, Andy Fairfull, on 0449 998 433