“We’ll be just trying to match their culture and energy”, he said.
It had been a while since Tahuriorangi was last in Rotorua, making this a “special occasion”.
He played for Rotorua Boys’ High School and the Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa clubs.
Tahuriorangi was “always around a footy ball” and outside “running around” with his cousins.
His father was “pretty good” at rugby and touch, too.
The club culture was “real old school”, he said. Tahuriorangi had to “earn the respect” of older players, teaching him the “valuable lesson of working hard”.
He said it was difficult watching rugby clubs and communities “struggle” nationwide.
Tahuriorangi hoped the Chiefs’ return could have a positive local impact.
He said it meant a lot to return – personally and for the team.
Tahuriorangi would have “a lot” of whānau supporting him on the day.
RotoruaNZ head of commercial Sam Hulton said hosting the international match was a “significant opportunity”.
Rotorua International Stadium will host the city’s first Super Rugby game since 2018 in April. Photo / NZME
They had been “actively working to attract events of this calibre”, he said.
Rotorua last hosted Super Rugby in 2018 when the Chiefs lost 23–19 to Argentina’s Jaguares.
Hulton expected a “solid uplift” in accommodation, hospitality and retail, with a mix of regional and out-of-town visitors.
“This is a Moana Pasifika home game, and we are working closely with their team to activate their fan base from across the country to come to Rotorua for this game.”
Ticketing is managed by Moana Pasifika, but Hulton said early interest was “strong”.
“We anticipate this to be the highest attended event at the stadium since the NRL Indigenous All Stars match.”
He said it was key to Rotorua’s tourism strategy, helping drive visitation and showcasing the region.
“Delivering successful events builds confidence with sporting franchises and event promoters, which can open the door to future Super Rugby fixtures and other major sporting events”.
Rotorua tourism operators were supporting the event, with the Rotorua Tourism Investment Partnership a major partner alongside RotoruaNZ.
Hulton encouraged locals to get behind the match. He said it “offers more than just rugby”.
Tickets went on sale last Friday on Ticketmaster.
Annabel Reid is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post, based in Rotorua. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, she has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canterbury.