The Bread Capital of Manaia is in line to host the first Ranfurly Shield defence in the town’s history on the afternoon of Saturday July 19.

The town is scheduled to host the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls second defence of the current tenure against Meads Cup champions Thames Valley.

The match follows on from the sold-out Yarrows Centenary Match between the Amber & Blacks and Wellington in July 2023. The fixture marked 100 years of Yarrows the Bakers, the iconic and long-standing Principal Partner of Taranaki Rugby.

Yarrows the Bakers were founded by Alfred and Grace Yarrow in 1923 and have been an integral part of the Manaia community ever since.

Owned and operated by John, Rosaleen and Philip Yarrow, Yarrows the Bakers produce quality frozen goods for wholesale and food service customers across New Zealand, Australia and much of Asia. Their headquarters have remained in Manaia with bakery operations expanding to Auckland, Rotorua and Tirau.

The Manaia match day will celebrate Yarrows the Bakers General Manager Russell Guckert who is retiring after 42 years of service. Fittingly, Guckert is also a Life Member of his beloved Southern Rugby Club.

Taranaki Rugby and Yarrows the Bakers have named the grandstand at the Manaia Domain the Russell Guckert Stand for the match to honour Guckert’s significant contribution to Yarrows the Bakers and grassroots rugby over several decades.

Yarrows the Bakers Executive Director Philip Yarrow says they are rapt to partner with Taranaki Rugby to bring Ranfurly Shield rugby to Manaia.

“We’re thrilled to host the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls in Manaia again, if you’re a fan of rugby, you don’t want to miss out on watching the professional game through the grassroots lens, up close and personal.”

“We’re also taking this opportunity to dedicate the event to Russell Guckert and his retirement. Russell has been with us for over 40 years. His first job at Yarrows was licking the stamps, roll on a few years, and he is the retiring General Manager.”

Taranaki Rugby CEO Jimmy Fastier says they received incredible feedback after playing at the Manaia Domain two years ago to celebrate Yarrows the Bakers centenary.

“We always wanted to come back to the Bread Capital of Manaia. It’s a bonus that we can make it a Ranfurly Shield defence and continue our efforts to take domestic rugby’s most sought-after trophy around Taranaki.”

“This is another opportunity to recognise the immense support Yarrows the Bakers has given to rugby and the local community over many decades. Thank you to the South Taranaki District Council for their support of this initiative.”

As they did in 2023, the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will again don a commemorative blue and black home jersey, inspired by the Waimate Buffaloes, Manaia’s home club that amalgamated with the Hāwera and Athletic clubs to form Southern in 1994. The jerseys will also feature the years of the province’s eight Ranfurly Shield tenures on the right sleeve.

Manaia born and bred Yarrows Taranaki Bulls midfielder Meihana Grindlay was looking forward to running out on his home pitch.

“The Yarrows Centenary Match against Wellington was an amazing way to celebrate all that Yarrows has done for Taranaki Rugby and Manaia. The town was buzzing for weeks and every local was talking about the game. I loved running out on to a field that means so much to me and playing in front of family, friends and excited locals. I can’t wait to do it all again in July with the Ranfurly Shield on the line.”

Before Manaia, the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will need to get past King Country at Yarrow Stadium on Wednesday June 11 in their first Ranfurly Shield defence of the current tenure.

Ranfurly Shield Defence: Yarrows Taranaki Bulls v Thames Valley Swamp Foxes

Venue: Manaia Domain, Manaia

Date: Saturday July 19 - 2pm kick off

GA Tickets: Adult $15, Child $5 – click HERE to purchase tickets

Russell Guckert Stand Hospitality

1. Covered Russell Guckert Stand ticket
2. Complimentary pre match meal
3. Complimentary beverage service for four (4) hours
4. $5 Yarrows the Bakers shop voucher
5. Manaia Domain car park pass
6. Investment: $150 + gst per person (book your space via email – Shailen Sukdhoe shailen@trfu.co.nz)

Article added: Thursday 06 March 2025