The pre-season campaign kicks off on Friday February 12 when the Crusaders host the Highlanders in the annual Farmlands Cup. The Crusaders are the reigning Farmlands Cup champions after beating the Highlanders 41-7 in Wanaka last year.
The action continues to heat up the very next day with a game of three halves in Upper Hutt between host side the Hurricanes and visitors the Blues and the Gallagher Chiefs. It is sure to be a carnival atmosphere at Maidstone Park with three exciting teams in action.
On Friday 19 February, the Highlanders lay out the welcome mat to the Hurricanes at Molyneux Park in Alexandra. Alexandra is noted for its extreme temperatures in summer and both sides will hope the thermostat is cooling down in time for the 6pm kick off.
The pre-season campaign concludes on Saturday 20 February with the inaugural Blues Footy Fest at Eden Park.
The Blues Footy Fest is an all-day carnival at Eden Park which is headlined by a much-anticipated clash between the Blues and Crusaders. The match is being dubbed the ‘re-rematch’ after the last clash between the sides was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions in August 2020.
Check your team’s website and social media accounts for ticketing information on all pre-season fixtures.
2021 pre-season schedule
Crusaders v Highlanders, Friday 12 February, 5.30pm, Temuka (Sky Sport 1)
Hurricanes v Blues v Chiefs, Saturday 13 February, 12pm, Upper Hutt (Broadcast TBC)
Highlanders v Hurricanes, Friday 19 February, 6pm, Alexandra (Sky Sport 1)
Blues v Crusaders, Saturday 20 February, 3.35pm, Eden Park (Sky Sport 1)