BREEN BRING SUPER RUGBY PRESEASON RIVALRY TO OAMARU

Ōamaru is set for a Super Rugby showdown this Waitangi weekend, with Breen proudly bringing the Highlanders and Crusaders to North Otago for their annual pre-season clash on Friday 5 February 2027 at Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Ōamaru. Having strong roots as a leading construction partner in the regions, Breen is excited to help deliver an event for the North Otago community, giving the next generation of rugby fans an opportunity to see some of New Zealand's leading rugby talent in their own backyard. To make the occasion even more accessible, Breen will be providing free entry to children aged 12 and under with Breen Kids Go Free.

Lindsay Breen, Managing Director of Breen, said the opportunity to bring a fixture of this calibre to Ōamaru was a great way to give back to the community.

"Our business has been operating in Ōamaru for a while now. We’ve grown a significant workforce there, with many in our team deeply connected to rugby whether as a player, supporter or coach. We always enjoy supporting our team and the community at large. It feels really good to be able to bring this event to Ōamaru.”

The fixture will provide both teams with an important opportunity to prepare for the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season which opens the following week for the new season, while giving rugby supporters across North Otago and the wider region, the chance to experience one of rugby's great rivalries.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark, welcomed the Highlanders return to Ōamaru and North Otago.

"It's fantastic to be bringing the Highlanders back into the North Otago community, and we're grateful to Breen for making this opportunity possible.

"Regional rugby is incredibly important to us as a Club and it's an opportunity to connect with our supporters who can’t always get to see the team play live and hopefully inspire the next generation of Highlanders players and fans.

“We’re excited to be coming to Ōamaru and to use the fantastic new Events Centre facility. It’s a real credit to the vision of the Hurst family and the Waitaki District Council, and a real asset for the North Otago community.”

The Friday fixture provides the perfect start to the Waitangi Day long weekend, with the public holiday observed on Monday 8 February. Supporters travelling from outside the region are encouraged to make a weekend of it and enjoy everything Oamaru and the wider Waitaki District have to offer.

Be the first to know when tickets are on sale – sign up to the Highlanders here

ENDS