CO-OPERATIVE NEWS
New territory for Farmlands Cup It is one of Super Rugby’s most treasured rivalries — the Crusaders and Highlanders will battle each other for South Island supremacy in the new year.
In doing so, the All Blacks playmaker
Rarely have the two sides strayed from their home bases of Christchurch or Dunedin for clashes against each other, but every summer they’re able to connect with rural communities around the South Island thanks to Farmlands Co-operative. In February the Farmlands Cup will go on the line for a seventh time since 2016.
“North Otago is known for their passion
After competing for the prized silverware in Waimumu, Darfield, Southbridge, Wanaka and Temuka, a new chapter will be etched into the storied history of the Crusaders vs. Highlanders rivalry when the Farmlands Cup enters new territory in 2022.
our whole club will be looking forward
For the first time since the trophy’s inception, Farmlands will bring the Crusaders and Highlanders to North Otago for a pre-season showdown 6km from Oamaru at Valley Rugby Club in Weston on 4th February 2022. The Highlanders will have another chance to snatch the Farmlands Cup from the Crusaders after being beaten by a Brett Cameron penalty at the death in this year’s encounter in Temuka.
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ensured the Crusaders retained the Farmlands Cup for the fourth straight year, a streak the Highlanders are eager to snap in front of a home crowd. for rugby and we see that every year in their Heartland Championship team performances,” Highlanders head coach Tony Brown says. “To get an opportunity to play in their patch against our great South Island rivals, the Crusaders, will be a great way to kick off the new season. I know to the event.” Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson is similarly excited to return to the heartland of the South Island. “The Farmlands Cup is always a great celebration of Super Rugby in the regions,” he says. “While there’s plenty of mutual respect between the two sides, the rivalry between the Crusaders and our southern neighbours is strong and I’m sure both teams will look to put on a show for the community in North Otago to open the 2022 season.” Farmlands Oamaru Business Manager Steffan Souness is on the ground with
| Farmlands will bring the Crusaders and Highlanders to North Otago in February to compete for the Farmlands Cup.
local farmers each day and says that events like Farmlands Cup are driven by huge community support. “Our shareholders and customers really get behind the Cup and we want to make sure we are giving back to the Otago community. Our North Otago community are the beating heart of grassroots rugby so it’s great to have the opportunity to put on a top-level rugby game for the locals,” Steffan says. Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark added that the highly anticipated fixture wouldn’t be possible without the support of Farmlands. “The Farmlands Cup really has become the jewel in our pre-season crown,” Roger says. “For the last 7 years this game has generated excitement up and down the South Island in some very special locations across Southland and Otago. “This year it’s North Otago’s turn. Staging a game at Weston, the home of the Valley Rugby Club, will be tremendously exciting for our club.” Farmlands shareholders will get access to tickets, with exclusive access going live mid November 2021. Public access will go live early 2022. For more information see www.farmlands.co.nz/farmlandscup.
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