Fans from Northland and North Harbour along with holidaymakers will be able to converge on Warkworth for the Blues opening 2022 pre-season game at the Mahurangi Blues Footy Fest.

The Blues will take on the Hurricanes at Mahurangi Rugby Club on Saturday 5 February, with a day of fun activities planned.

The match, to be hosted by Mahurangi Rugby Club and North Harbour Union, will be the only pre-season game in the region, and the Blues hope the Waitangi Weekend match will attract plenty of fans.

The Blues played the same opponents at Mahurangi in 2018 which saw a big attendance for the game.

This time organisers are planning a day of fan activities ahead of the 1.35pm kick-off. There will be plenty of fun family vibes with kid zones, easy access, live music, fans on field, local seafood and an opener between North Harbour and the Barbarians. 

There will also be a Wahu Little Blues Ripper tournament at half time.

“It is an excellent location and the Blues are excited to get our pre-season underway at Mahurangi. The facilities and field are very good and we hope we can attract plenty of support as they did four years ago,” said Blues Head Coach, Leon MacDonald.

“The Mahurangi club is ideally located on the boundary between North Harbour and Northland and there will be a lot of holidaymakers in the region at this time, so the footy fest vibe will offer a great day for all.”

Mahurangi Rugby Club chairperson Charmaine Gravatt said the organisation were looking forward to the opportunity.

“Mahurangi Rugby club are very proud to host Blues Footy Fest. Our rugby community will really get behind the day. 

“We will take it to the next level, showcasing our local seafood, providing fun activities for the kids and with great footy to watch. It will be a great way to start the 2022 rugby season,” she said.

Both teams are likely to involve all players, as they ready for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition that kicks off on 18 February. The Blues other pre-season game is against the Chiefs in Te Puke on Friday 11 February.

Admission for the Mahurangi Blues Footy Fest against the Hurricanes at the A&P Showgrounds Warkworth is $5 for adults or a family pass for $20, gates open at 12:00pm.