Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, September 29, 2023
FMG Stadium Waikato will host the ‘most children ever’ to attend a New Zealand Rugby (NZR) controlled Black Ferns Test, when Hamilton Kirikiriroa hosts the Laurie O’Reilly Cup match against Australia this Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 4.35 pm onwards.
Fresh off the back of their Pacific Four success, the world champion Black Ferns will run onto the field of FMG Stadium Waikato for the first time since 2013. They will play in front of a crowd packed with families, based on ticket sales data that show a record number of children’s tickets purchased.
Tamariki cheer for Wāhine
FMG Stadium Waikato and NZR are catering to the young spectators and their whanau and will be offering poi and poster-making opportunities before kick-off. There will also be tents set up to ensure parents and guardians with prams have somewhere to safely store transport for their little ones.
Black Ferns Director of Rugby, Allan Bunting, said “We are humbled to see the incredible number of tamariki tickets already purchased to watch our Wāhine take to the field. It shows the growing interest in women’s rugby, and the next generation’s enthusiasm for the style of rugby we are wanting to play.”
Hamilton City Council’s Venues, Tourism, and Events General Manager, Sean Murray, is pleased to see Hamilton breaking records.
“With school holidays upon us, it is a great opportunity for the younger generation to experience a live game in Hamilton. The Black Ferns have become an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially young girls who are eager to pursue rugby and embrace the sport’s values of teamwork and dedication.”
“It is vital for us to nurture the next generation of rugby players and supporters. The response to this match demonstrates the impact we can have in inspiring young talent and fostering a love for rugby from an early age.”
Welcome with open arms
FMG Stadium Waikato will host the Black Ferns for the first time since 2013. Black Ferns Director of Rugby, Allan Bunting, said the squad cannot wait to return home to play in front of fans at FMG Stadium Waikato. “We are very excited to play the final O’Reilly Cup test in Hamilton. It will be a fantastic opportunity for whanau and fans to see the team in action for the first time on home soil this season.”
H3, Hamilton City Council’s event venues division, is encouraging attendees to use public buses, which will be free for fans on match day upon showing their tickets. This will apply to all regional and urban bus services.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
