Super Rugby returns to Yarrows Stadium

Will Johnston 

The patience of Super Rugby fans in the region has been rewarded after the Chiefs return to Yarrow Stadium in May during the competition.  

The Chiefs will host the Reds on Friday, May 12 at 7:05pm in round 12 of the competition, the first game at the venue since the same two teams played in May 2017, where the Chiefs won 46-17. 

Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis said it’s always exciting taking home games to one of its provinces.  

“Like all of our provincial unions, the last couple of years have been a real struggle for Taranaki with the impacts of Covid, alongside not having a stadium due to their stands needing earthquake-proofing,” he said.  

“If the Chiefs can get half the support that the Taranaki team receive the Queensland Reds will face a challenging time.”  

Graafhuis said Yarrow Stadium has been an iconic venue and is looking forward to seeing what the redevelopment has delivered.  

The stadium will only have one operational grandstand after the West Stand has been strengthened with a new roof and upgraded lights. While work has started on the East Stand, it’s expected to be completed next year.  

New Plymouth District Council group manager, community and customer service Teresa Turner is excited to have large events back at the venue.  

She said the stadium can currently seat more than 12,000 people.  

“It will be awesome to see the stands filled with local supporters and visitors looking to be part of a vibrant sporting atmosphere,” she said.  

Super Rugby matches have been few and far between in New Plymouth. While earthquake concerns prevented them from being held between 2019 and 2022, the venue has largely been snubbed even before it was closed as it’s only hosted 13 games since 2000.  

It missed out on a match in 2018, likely due to the All Blacks match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. 

The Chiefs start its Super Rugby campaign against the defending champions the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday, February 24.