The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will host their first match at the fully redeveloped Yarrow Stadium (to be known as Stadium Taranaki from March 8) with a Ranfurly Shield defence on June 11.

The Wednesday night clash against King Country is scheduled to kick off at 6pm.

The Yarrow Stadium East Stand has been completely rebuilt after being closed for earthquake strengthening in 2017.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach Neil Barnes says it’s a milestone occasion.

“Yarrow Stadium is one of the best rugby venues in New Zealand, and a brand-new East Stand will only add to that. It will be a pleasure to welcome our Amber & Black fans to a fully refurbished venue.”

The match will be the first Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Ranfurly Shield defence of the current tenure. With Super Rugby Pacific still in season, the bulk of the Amber & Black playing 23 will be selected from CMK club rugby.

“The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls have had some remarkable success in the last eight years, including going unbeaten in 2021, winning the 2023 Bunnings NPC and now the Ranfurly Shield,” says Taranaki Rugby CEO Jimmy Fastier.

“It’s amazing to think that’s all happened without a fully finished home. Our thanks go out to the Taranaki Regional Council, lead contractor Clelands Construction and all the subcontractors who have done an outstanding job on the Yarrow Stadium project over an extended period.”

The game will mark the return of the East Stand hospitality lounge, a popular hospitality space for commercial partners and supporters.

“Before the East Stand was closed, the lounge was one of the hottest tickets in town - it was a fantastic place to watch rugby and socialise with people from across the business and rugby community. It’s fitting that the opening of the East Stand is for an illustrious occasion such as a Ranfurly Shield defence.” Fastier says.

There has been significant interest in 2025 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls corporate hospitality packages.

Hospitality packages for the Wednesday June 11 Ranfurly Shield defence are available now. Packages include a pre match buffet meal, four-hour beverage service, premium covered seating, after match access and premium car parking.

To reserve your space contact Commercial Manager Kurt Leuthart kurt@trfu.co.nz or Commercial Operations Lead Shailen Sukdhoe Shailen@trfu.co.nz

Ranfurly Shield Defence: Yarrows Taranaki Bulls v King Country

When: Wednesday June 11

Where: Yarrow Stadium

Kick-off: 6pm kick off

Tickets: Ticket information released in March/April

Article added: Monday 03 March 2025