SKY SUPER AUPIKI KICKS OFF WITH DOUBLE-HEADER AT EDEN PARK
The nib Blues women will kick-off the inaugural Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition against Chiefs Manawa in an exciting double header with the men.
This will mirror the historic first women’s match against Super Rugby clubs last year, set for Eden Park on Saturday 5 March.
The clash was confirmed when the competition draw was released today, with Sky confirmed as the competition naming partner.
The women’s clash will kick-off at 1.45pm with the Super Rugby Pacific match against the Blues and Chiefs men set for a 4.35pm kick start.
“This is a fantastic way to start this competition and befitting that outstanding occasion last year at Eden Park, with a big crowd, who witnessed two superb games of rugby,” said Blues CEO Andrew Hore.
“The Blues are thrilled that our initiative has led to the start of a professional competition for women. We know this year is a beginning to much bigger things to follow and will be a key to raising women’s rugby to new levels that professional rugby will naturally bring.
“It kick-starts a huge year for women’s rugby in this country with the Women’s Rugby World Cup on our shores. We are proud to have been the trailblazers in this Super initiative. Two superb games against our traditional rivals at the Chiefs at the home of rugby at Eden Park will be a magnificent occasion.”
The nib Blues meet the Hurricanes in Wellington in round two on 12 March, with all teams in Hamilton for a Super Round on 19 March against Matatu.
New Zealand Rugby General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said the inaugural season of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki was a game-changer for the women’s game.
“This year is going to be like nothing we’ve seen before when it comes to the women’s game and Sky Super Rugby Aupiki is a great way to get things underway.
“We’ve seen the four clubs assemble strong, exciting squads and this draw was the last piece of the puzzle before launching the competition in March. We’re looking forward to seeing New Zealand get in behind the players and teams and make this first season really set a benchmark for years to come,” said Lendrum.
All matches are live and exclusive on Sky - who have cemented their support for the women’s game, coming on board as the naming rights partner of the competition.
“As part of Sky’s commitment to elevating women in sport in every aspect, we are absolutely delighted to be naming sponsor and official broadcaster for the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition. New Zealanders are hungry for more with the inaugural Super Rugby match between Blues and Chiefs among proving popular amongst fans in 2021,” said Sky CEO Sophie Moloney.
“Our sponsorship and expert coverage of this landmark competition for women’s rugby in Aotearoa will enable us to showcase their skill and talent and tell the stories of the wāhine toa who love this game. But our support doesn’t stop there.
“Sky is committed to ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can watch our wāhine in action, so to support this new and exciting competition we will proudly offer all Sky Super Rugby Aupiki games free to air on Prime as well as Sky Sport,” said Moloney.
Super Rugby Aupiki draw
Round One
Saturday 5 March: Blues v Chiefs Manawa, Eden Park, kick off 1:45pm
Sunday 6 March: Matatū v Hurricanes, Orangetheory Stadium, kick off 3:45pm
Round Two:
Saturday 12 March: Hurricanes v Blues, Sky Stadium, kick off 1:45pm
Sunday 13 March : Chiefs Manawa v Matatū, FMG Stadium, kick off 3:45pm
Round Three - Super Round - FMG Stadium, Hamilton:
Saturday 19 March: Blues v Matatū, kick off 1:45pm
Chiefs Manawa v Hurricanes, kick off 4:35pm
FINAL: Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 March