Chiefs Age Grade Carnival
For the first time, the Chiefs Rugby Club will host U16 and U18 provincial teams from across the region in an Age Grade Carnival this Saturday 21 September.
16 exciting teams from across Chiefs Country will play throughout the day giving teams a chance to represent their region and connect with their Super Rugby franchise. Over 1000 supporters, players and management are set to attend the event with additional spectators welcome.
Chiefs Rugby Club Head of Pathways Kent Currie said: “It is wonderful to give so many players an opportunity to represent their provincial colours at a pivotal event for the Chiefs Pathways Programme.
“The Chiefs have always been big advocates of provincial rugby and we believe it has been the lifeblood of the New Zealand Playing Pathway for many years. Most of our current Gallagher Chiefs squad have fond memories about their days playing age-grade provincial rugby – experiences that set up their rugby careers.”
This event will supplement the established University of Waikato U18 camp and U20s squad which are already successful parts of the Chiefs Pathways Programme. The carnival will create another opportunity to develop young talent within the region and keep them connected to the Chiefs.
“Provincial age group rugby needs to continue to play an integral part in the NZ Rugby ecosystem and tournaments and carnivals like this one are the way of the future. They help pool resources together, plus have the added advantage of creating an atmosphere that all players and spectators will enjoy,” said Currie.
Currie also thanked Hamilton Marist Rugby Football Club for hosting the event and for their long-standing relationship with the Chiefs.
Games will kick off at 11am on Saturday with Waikato Pasfica U16 v Thames Valley U16.
Fixtures:
11am: Waikato Pasifica U16 v Thames Valley U16
Field 3
11.30am: Waikato Yellow U16 v Bay of Plenty U16
Field 1
12.30pm: Taranaki U16 v King Country U16
Field 3
1pm: Waikato Red U16 v Counties Manukau U16
Field 1
2pm: Counties Māori U16 v Waikato Māori U16
Field 3
2.30pm: Bay of Plenty U18 v Auckland Gulls U18
Field 1
3.30pm: NZ Harlequins U17 v King Country U18
Field 3
4pm: Waikato U18 v Counties Manukau U18
Field 1
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