\u201cWe\u2019ll be just trying to match their culture and energy\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n
It had been a while since Tahuriorangi was last in Rotorua, making this a \u201cspecial occasion\u201d.<\/p>\n
He played for Rotorua Boys\u2019 High School and the Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa clubs. <\/p>\n
Tahuriorangi was \u201calways around a footy ball\u201d and outside \u201crunning around\u201d with his cousins.<\/p>\n
His father was \u201cpretty good\u201d at rugby and touch, too.<\/p>\n
The club culture was \u201creal old school\u201d, he said. Tahuriorangi had to \u201cearn the respect\u201d of older players, teaching him the \u201cvaluable lesson of working hard\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said it was difficult watching rugby clubs and communities \u201cstruggle\u201d nationwide.<\/p>\n
Tahuriorangi hoped the Chiefs\u2019 return could have a positive local impact.<\/p>\n
He said it meant a lot to return – personally and for the team.<\/p>\n
Tahuriorangi would have \u201ca lot\u201d of wh\u0101nau supporting him on the day. <\/p>\n
RotoruaNZ head of commercial Sam Hulton said hosting the international match was a \u201csignificant opportunity\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rotorua International Stadium will host the city’s first Super Rugby game since 2018 in April. Photo \/ NZME<\/p>\n
They had been \u201cactively working to attract events of this calibre\u201d, he said. <\/p>\n
Rotorua last hosted Super Rugby in 2018 when the Chiefs lost 23\u201319 to Argentina\u2019s Jaguares.<\/p>\n
Hulton expected a \u201csolid uplift\u201d in accommodation, hospitality and retail, with a mix of regional and out-of-town visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ticketing is managed by Moana Pasifika, but Hulton said early interest was \u201cstrong\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe anticipate this to be the highest attended event at the stadium since the NRL Indigenous All Stars match.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said it was key to Rotorua\u2019s tourism strategy, helping drive visitation and showcasing the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelivering 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\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rotorua tourism operators were supporting the event, with the Rotorua Tourism Investment Partnership a major partner alongside RotoruaNZ.<\/p>\n
Hulton encouraged locals to get behind the match. He said it \u201coffers more than just rugby\u201d.<\/p>\n
Tickets went on sale last Friday on Ticketmaster.<\/p>\n