• Pakuranga United Rugby Club to host Round 7 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC Auckland versus Waikato at 2:05pm on Saturday 16 September
• Backyard Blitz event aimed at amplifying the fan experience, reaching new audiences and taking Bunnings Warehouse NPC matches out to Aucklanders
• The return of the Boot Party, with a dedicated area for fans to entertain from their car boot pre and post-match
• Tickets are limited and go on sale Wednesday 26 July at https://aucklandrugby.flicket.co.nz/

Auckland Rugby is taking Bunnings Warehouse NPC rugby to the people by staging its biggest home game of the season versus Waikato at Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) on Saturday 16 September.

Coined the Backyard Blitz, the Round 7 match is set to be the first in what will become a new look rugby and entertainment experience as Auckland Rugby plans to revolutionise its Bunnings Warehouse NPC home games.

Auckland Rugby is working in collaboration with Pakuranga United Rugby Club to install special infrastructure for the ‘Battle of the Bombays’ derby that is expected to draw large crowds of supporters coming out in support of both the blue and white hoops and the Mooloos based just over an hour south.

Gates will open ahead of kick-off at 12pm for fans to enjoy the festival atmosphere complete with live music, a beer garden, VIP experiences, food trucks and a kids’ zone.

Auckland Rugby is also bringing back the popular Boot Party, reminiscent of NPC rugby in the nineties, with a dedicated area for supporters to entertain from their car boot pre and post-match. A strictly limited number of tickets are available to the Boot Party area so fans are encouraged to get in quick to avoid disappointment.

The initiative is aimed at taking the game to the fans, reaching new audiences in neighbourhoods around Auckland and creating a unique and memorable sports and entertainment experience never before seen in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC. 

Auckland Rugby CEO Jarrod Bear said, “This is about taking NPC rugby away from the typical stadium environment and reaching Aucklanders throughout the region with a fresh and exciting fan experience.

“It’s a way for us to reach new audiences and amplify the typical match day programme with a festival-style atmosphere for fans of all ages to enjoy and where rugby is just one part of the overall experience. We thank Pakuranga United Rugby Club for their support of Backyard Blitz and for being such exceptional hosts.” 

Pakuranga United Rugby Club General Manager Mike Bongiovanni said it was a major coup for the club to host such a big match.

“We are incredibly excited for not only our rugby community, but the wider east Auckland community to have some of the best players in the country playing right here in our own backyard.

“We have been privileged to host big events in the past with the World Masters Games and the World School Sevens, this will be another fantastic occasion and one we are sure will be passionately supported.”

Auckland will take on Waikato in Round 7 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC at 2:05pm at Pakuranga United Rugby Club. 

Tickets are limited and will go on sale on Wednesday 26 July starting from $20 for adults and $5 for kids. Boot Party tickets are $40 and are strictly limited so fans are encouraged to get in quick to avoid disappointment.

Go to https://aucklandrugby.flicket.co.nz/ to purchase. 

MEDIA CONTACT 

Maryke Elgoran 

Auckland Rugby Media Manager 

maryke.elgoran@aucklandrugby.co.nz 

021 612 401 

Article added: Thursday 20 July 2023