Urenui and Firstgas to host historic Yarrows Taranaki Bulls preseason match

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Urenui is set to host a blockbuster Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Bunnings NPC preseason match in partnership with energy company Firstgas

The match against Bay of Plenty, dubbed the “Urenui Showdown presented by Firstgas” will be played at the picturesque Urenui Sportsground on Friday 2 August at 1pm.  

Off the back of last year’s sold-out Yarrows Centenary Match in Manaia, Firstgas and Taranaki Rugby have collaborated to take the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls to another Taranaki township that doesn’t host club rugby, let alone first-class rugby. 

Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Mike Sandle was rapt to announce the Urenui match that will no doubt create special memories in the Urenui district for generations to come. 

“The Urenui Sportsground truly is a stunning terraced venue and Friday 2 August is shaping up as a day to remember for the people of northern Taranaki. We are thrilled to have the support of Firstgas, whose backing has enabled us to take a Yarrows Taranaki Bulls match to Urenui for the first time.  

Sandle added, “Our thanks also go to Denis Wheeler Earthmoving and Expert Turf who have been instrumental in getting the playing surface refurbished following the Urenui Rodeo.” 

Firstgas is part of Clarus and is well known for its transmission pipeline operations - including the Maui pipeline - in the North Taranaki area. It operates and maintains critical infrastructure that provides essential energy to over 300,000 home, businesses and major industry everyday. 

Clarus Chief Executive, Paul Goodeve says, “Energy is what we do but its people we do it for and we’re excited to help bring the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls to Urenui for the North Taranaki community to enjoy.” 

A Captains Run and kids coaching clinic and pre-match Rippa Rugby match will also be happening in Urenui during the week leading up to the big game. 

“Our daily operations touch many communities around North Taranaki. We work in partnership with those who are living and working around our pipelines, and we value these relationships. Bringing a big game to Urenui is just one way we can show our appreciation,” Goodeve adds. 

The family of Yarrows Taranaki Bulls lock Tom Franklin previously farmed in North Taranaki, and he was excited about first class rugby being played in the district. 

“My father played for the Tainui Rugby Club just up the road from Urenui in Mokau, getting an opportunity to play for the Amber & Blacks at Urenui would be special for me and my family. Mum tells me that there was a strong community connection with everyone in the area through rugby. I am sure the game on Friday 2 August will be a great day out for locals young and old.” 

Tickets for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls historic Urenui matchday go on sale to the public via www.ticketek.co.nz on Wednesday May 22. General Admission Adult tickets are $15 and General Admission Child tickets are just $5. 

Due to the expected high demand for tickets, Taranaki Rugby is encouraging locals and Amber & Black rugby fans to purchase their tickets early, so they don’t miss out. 
 
Corporate hospitality packages will be available at the Urenui Sportsground. Spaces are strictly limited, avoid disappointment, and secure your space to be a part of history when the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls run out onto the Urenui Sportsground. 

Firstgas and Taranaki Rugby representatives at the picturesque Urenui Sportsground which will play host to a blockbuster Yarrows Taranaki Bulls preseason match on Friday August 2.

About Firstgas 

Based in the energy-rich region of Taranaki, Firstgas owns more than 2,500 km of high-pressure gas transmission pipelines and stations that are essential to supplying natural gas to industrial customers throughout the North Island. Firstgas also owns 4,800kms of gas distribution networks across the North Island. These networks extend north as far as Northland and south as far as Kāpiti, as well as covering Waikato, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty. Through these distribution networks, Firstgas directly connects more than 60,000 homes and businesses to gas. 

Firstgas also has relationships with more than 4,500 landowners and iwi who have transmission pipelines running through their properties and land. www.firstgas.co.nz 

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