Family-friendly afternoon kick offs are the feature of an extended 2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki draw announced by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Super Clubs today.
Players are already immersed in a newly extended pre-season training window ahead of a season and with every match played at 2.05pm or 4.35pm the 2024 season promises to showcase open, running rugby from start to finish.
Matatū, Chiefs Manawa, Hurricanes Poua and the nib Blues will play a full home and away schedule before the top two teams meet in the final on Saturday 13 April.
New Zealand Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Manager Hannah Porter said: “It’s great to announce the 2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki draw. Once again matches will be played across the country, with all teams having the opportunity to play their opposition both and home and away.
“We expect to be entertained by the fast pace, engaging style our women play. Adding to this, the growth and injection of new talent across the Aupiki squads it will be exciting to see the positive influence that will have. We look forward to the competition kicking off.”
As they did in 2023, Chiefs Manawa and Hurricanes Poua will again launch the season when they meet at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday 2 March, followed by defending champions Matatū hosting the nib Blues.
Fans will have to wait to round three to see a repeat of the thrilling 2023 final when Chiefs Manawa host Matatū in a Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and DHL Super Rugby Pacific doubleheader at FMG Stadium Waikato, one of five doubleheaders across the season.
More fans in the regions will also get the chance to attend Sky Super Rugby Aupiki matches in 2024 with the Hurricanes Poua taking matches to Palmerston North and Levin. All remaining venues will be announced by clubs in the New Year.
All six rounds of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki will be broadcasted live and exclusive on SKY.
Players will come into the season off the back of a newly extended eight-week individual training window before playing pre-season matches in February before the season kicks off in March.
2024 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Draw
Round 1
Chiefs Manawa v Hurricanes Poua, Saturday 2 March, FMG Stadium Waikato, kick off 2.05pm
Matatū v nib Blues, Saturday 2 March, venue TBC, kick off 4.35pm
Round 2
nib Blues v Chiefs Manawa, Saturday 9 March, venue TBC, kick off 2.05pm
Hurricanes Poua v Matatū, Saturday 9 March, SKY Stadium, 4.35pm
Round 3
nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua, Saturday 16 March, venue TBC, kick off 2.05pm
Chiefs Manawa v Matatū, Saturday 16 March, FMG Stadium Waikato, kick off 4.35pm
Round 4
Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa, Friday 22 March, CET Arena Palmerston North, kick off 4.35pm
nib Blues v Matatū, Saturday 23 March, Eden Park, kick off 4.35pm
Round 5
Matatū v Hurricanes Poua, Friday 29 March, Apollo Projects Stadium, kick off 4.35pm
Chiefs Manawa v nib Blues, Saturday 30 March, venue TBC, kick off 2.05pm
Round 6
Hurricanes Poua v nib Blues, Saturday 6 April, Levin Domain, kick off 2.05pm
Matatū v Chiefs Manawa, Ngā Puna Wai, Christchurch, kick off 4.05pm
With thanks to New Zealand Rugby
