The HSBC Waratahs will follow up their opening trial against Samoa with a second match against Pacific Island opposition when they take on Tonga at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday, February 17. Both matches are presented by Air Pacific.
With Sydney University playing Samoa in the curtain raiser (5.30pm) before the HSBC Waratahs take on Tonga at 7.30pm, fans will be able to enjoy two big games of rugby for the price of one in what promises to be an evening full of action. Family tickets cost just $20, with adult tickets $10 and HSBC Waratahs members admitted free.
The trial matches will be the first in charge for Head Coach Michael Foley, who is hoping that back to back encounters against such physical opposition will provide the tough test the team needs ahead of the big FxPro Super Rugby opener against the Queensland Reds.
Said Foley, “We are grateful for the opportunity to be playing both Samoa and Tonga in our preparation matches. These fixtures will see the players up against the formidable opponents that come with the Pacific Island style of play.
“The majority of the squad have worked continuously since last November, with the more recent integration of our Wallaby spring tourists. As a coaching team, we want to see players translate all the professional pre-season work on to the field of play. The matches are their opportunity to challenge for selection as we plan for the start of the of the FxPro Super Rugby tournament.”
The trials are likely HSBC Waratahs debuts for two high profile NSW signings, Central Coast-born Wallaby Adam Ashley-Cooper, who returns to his home state after seven years with the Brumbies, and dynamic South African scrum half Sarel Pretorius, last year’s Super Rugby top try scorer and Player of the Year in his native country.
Said Air Pacific Regional General Manager Australia, New Zealand & Asia, Victor Sharan, “Air Pacific has been a proud partner of the HSBC Waratahs and Fiji Rugby for the previous three seasons. Rugby is an integral part of the Pacific Island culture and with regular flights to Tonga and Samoa recently added to our network, we are delighted to build on our existing relationships by extending our sponsorship to this year’s trial matches against Samoa and Tonga.”
As part of the HSBC Waratahs’ continuing association with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the event will help raise funds to assist with the Foundation’s ongoing work with seriously ill children.
Entry starts at just $10 for adults and $20 for families (two adults and two children), with HSBC Waratahs members admitted free. Tickets for this match and the FxPro Super Rugby blockbuster opening round clash between the HSBC Waratahs and Queensland Reds at ANZ Stadium (Saturday February 25, kick off 7.40pm) go on sale on January 31 from www.Ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849.
An HSBC Waratahs membership is your ticket to a number of exciting benefits including free entry to our regional and local trial matches in February. Show your support and sign up now by calling 1300 733 899 or joining online at www.waratahs.com.au/Membership
Membership information
Memberships come in ticketed and non-ticketed packages. As well as a same seat guarantee for the best seats in the stadium, an 8 Game Blue Blood Platinum membership also includes exclusive member merchandise, access to member-only events and communications, discounts and priority access to finals tickets. Four game and two game memberships are also available, with prices starting from just $38 for adults for a two game ticketed general admission package ($21 for juniors, $28 for concessions and $95 for a family of four).
If you want to show your support but don’t need ticketed packages, supporter memberships cost $40 and include access to member-only events and communications, discounts and priority access to finals tickets.
Air Pacific Information
Air Pacific now flies to Fiji (Nadi), Samoa (Apia) and Tonga (Nuku’alofa) from Sydney, bookings online at www.airpacific.com or by calling Reservations on 1800 230 150
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