Blues return North for Super Rugby opener

The DHL Super Rugby Pacific draw is out for 2024 with the Blues set to make a return to Northland in the opening round of the competition.

FULL 2024 DRAW HERE 

The Blues kick off their campaign with a bang, hosting the Fijian Drua on Saturday February 24 at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.

Blues halfback and Kerikeri local, Sam Nock, said he can’t wait to play in Whangārei.

“As a proud Northlander, I’ll always have a peek at the draw and see if we’re playing up at home,” said Nock.

“It’s always mean to head up home and play in front of whānau and friends – it’s massive for the whole community. The boys will be keen to get out on the water too - if someone wants to give up their fishing and diving spots!”

“I’m glad we’ve got the Drua in my backyard this time. We know they’ll bring the heat with them – plenty of razzle and heavy contact but we can’t wait,” said Nock.

Those thoughts were echoed by Blues CEO, Andrew Hore, who said the return to Northland was a key driver for the club.

“We’re all about including our entire region and the Provincial Unions it encompasses. It’s exciting to be heading to Whangārei and I hope our Blues fans in the top half of the country will get out and support us as we know the Drua fans will be out in force.”

The remainder of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific draw provides plenty of home highlights for Blues fans, with a tantalising semi-final rematch against the Crusaders in Auckland on March 23 as well as a late afternoon kick off against the Hurricanes in May.

The Blues also host Australian counterparts the Force and Brumbies as well as local derbies against the Highlanders and Chiefs in the latter rounds of the regular season.

Hore said the club were in the final stages of finalising the venues for their Auckland-based fixtures.

“We want to provide our fans with the best possible experience for each home match in 2024,” he said.

“There’s plenty to consider when making venue decisions and we’re hoping to be in a position to confirm our remaining venues in the coming weeks to ensure members and fans plenty of time to get excited for the coming season.”