Canes go provincial

The Hurricanes are taking their warmup matches to the provinces next year, including the return of the popular Mangatainoka fixture. Levin has also been allocated a game ahead of the Super Rugby season. But the return of rugby to a Mangatainoka field, opposite the Tui Brewery, is likely to attract most interest when the Hurricanes take on the Blues on Saturday, February 9, at 3pm. Nick Rogers, from the Tui Brewery, was the brains behind bringing rugby to the northern Wairarapa town in the first place, and has secured its return. A week earlier, on Saturday, February 2, the Hurricanes take on the Crusaders at Levin Domain, also at 3pm.