Super Rugby Pacific to celebrate culture round

From artwork to music, ceremonies to heritage jerseys, Super Rugby Pacific Culture Round, taking place this weekend (28 February – 2 March), will be a proud showcase of ‘many flags, one competition’.

“Culture Round is our chance to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of our competition, which stretches from the fans in the stands, to the players on the field and everyone tuning in from home,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.

“Super Rugby Pacific brings together people from all corners of the world and that diversity has always been one of our game’s greatest assets, encapsulated in recent years by our tagline The Power of the Pacific.”

Moana Pasifika kick off Culture Round against the Highlanders on Friday night, with the home team donning their Heritage Jersey commemorating the 2004 Pacific Islanders team. The jersey is a replica of the one worn by the Pacific Islanders who played the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium, which is now the home base for Moana Pasifika.

The action continues in Sydney as the NSW Waratahs welcome the Fijian Drua to Allianz Stadium. The Drua will perform their pre-match challenge, the i-bole, which they unveiled for the first time against the same opponents in 2022. Fans will enjoy double the action as the NSW Waratahs Women also take on the Fijiana Drua in their season opener.  

The Chiefs will host the inaugural Rugby and Rhythms Music Festival at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday. A full day of live music will be headlined by a double header of Chiefs Manawa vs. Matatū followed by the Super Rugby Pacific clash against the ACT Brumbies, who will be wearing their Indigenous Jersey. The Chiefs will also be debuting their Rau Huia jersey, a dedication to the six provincial unions that make up Chiefs country.  

Music and dance will be a central theme in Wellington, where Pasifika dancers and drummers will set the tone for the clash between the Hurricanes and the Blues, which is also a double header with the Hurricanes Poua and nib Blues.  

Indigenous Australian culture will take centre stage as the Western Force host the Queensland Reds at HBF Park, with a traditional smoking ceremony preceding an exchange of message sticks led by proud Darug man Kurtley Beale.

Fans should stay tuned to the clubs’ social media channels this week for more information about promotions and activities to celebrate Culture Round.

Culture Round match schedule:  

Friday 28 February  

Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders, 5.05pm AEDT / 7.05pm NZDT, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland  

Waratahs vs. Fijian Drua, 7.35pm AEDT / 9.35pm NZDT, Allianz Stadium, Sydney  

Saturday 1 March  

Chiefs vs. Brumbies, 2.35pm AEDT / 4.35pm NZDT, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton  

Hurricanes vs. Blues, 5.05pm AEDT / 7.05pm NZDT, Sky Stadium, Wellington  

Force vs. Reds, 7.35pm AEDT / 9.35pm NZDT, HBF Park, Perth