Provincial Rugby Support for Hurricanes

Jul 11 • General News, Super Rugby, Super Rugby News • 2076 Views • Comments Off on Provincial Rugby Support for Hurricanes

Following the successful mid-season match in Levin, the Hurricanes and Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) are thrilled to announce the Union’s investment into the franchise they have partnered with since Super Rugby’s inception in 1996.

Hurricanes Chairman, Brian Roche was delighted with the support HKRFU had pledged to the Hurricanes.

Roche said: “This is an exciting step forward for the Hurricanes under the new licence structure. We have maintained a commitment to the provincial unions in Hurricanes territory that we want their involvement and that the door would remain open to that opportunity. To see one of our heartland unions make this move is exciting for the Hurricanes and rugby in Horowhenua Kapiti.”

John Mowbray, Chairman of the HKRFU, says the union is delighted to invest in the new Hurricanes Franchise.

“We have a longstanding, close affinity to the Hurricanes and can see many tangible benefits for our union in continuing this association. The recent Hurricanes versus Crusaders game in Levin is just one example. The Board of the HKRFU, in making the decision to invest, has put significant weight on these benefits ahead of any possible financial return which may or may not occur over the next 8 years of the franchise license,” explained Mowbray.

HKRFU has invested in a 3% share of the Hurricanes’ Investment Ltd Partnership. The share has been made available by Paul Collins. Since the start-up of the Hurricanes Limited Partnership in November 2012, a share has been left open by Collins in the event of provincial union interest in participating in the venture.

Hurricanes CEO, James Te Puni said, “The strengthened relationship with Horowhenua Kapiti is more good news following Kapiti boy Dane Coles committing to the Hurricanes until 2016. The presence of the Hurricanes in the local community and the 5,000 people at the recent game in Levin reflects the strong links between the people of Horowhenua Kapiti and the Hurricanes.”