Blues’ Taufa Funaki passes the ball during the Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and Auckland Blues at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Image: Martin KEEP / AFP

What is Super Rugby’s Culture Round?

Round 12 of the competition has been designated as Super Rugby’s Culture Round, with clubs planning a variety of events to honour heritage.

by James Richardson

06-05-2024 07:41

in Super Rugby

Blues’ Taufa Funaki passes the ball during the Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and Auckland Blues at AAMI Park in Melbourne. Image: Martin KEEP / AFP

Super Rugby Pacific sets out to celebrate culture during Round 12 of the competition, which kicks off on Friday, 10 May.

The Culture Round will showcase the diverse cultures brought together by rugby.

Super Rugby’s Culture Round

From Australia’s First Nations artwork to Pasifika music and dance, from traditional dress to identity embedded in club heritage.

“Culture Round is an important opportunity for us to recognise how Super Rugby Pacific brings together people from so many different backgrounds,” Super Rugby Pacific Chair Kevin Malloy said.

“By sharing our traditions with one another this week, we can celebrate our cultural differences while at the same time nurturing mutual respect and understanding.

“Whether it be through dress, dance, language or song, I encourage all fans to celebrate their own culture and to take the opportunity to learn about other cultures that make up our great game.”

What the teams are doing for the Culture Round

Moana Pasifika kicked off the Culture Round against the Chiefs on Friday night.

Fans will be entertained by Pasifika performances before the game.

The Queensland Reds and Western Force will champion the multicultural nature of their clubs and communities through traditional dress and dance performances at their respective home games while encouraging fans in the stands to also showcase their cultural pride.

The Blues are rolling out a half-price ‘grassroots’ ticket deal for Auckland rugby clubs for their clash with the Hurricanes, along with a traditional Māori whakatau to welcome the teams and an opportunity for fans to mingle with the players on the field after full-time.

Celebrating rugby as a cultural influence

The Highlanders and Crusaders will revitalise memories of their famous clash in the 1999 Super Rugby Final, with both teams wearing heritage-themed jerseys and highlighting how the legacy of past players has contributed to their club cultures today.

The NSW Waratahs will wear a First Nations jersey designed by Indigenous winger Dylan Pietsch for their showdown with the ACT Brumbies, while the Australian match officials managing the Reds match against Melbourne Rebels will also don a First Nations jersey.

Fans should stay tuned to their favourite club’s social media channels this week for more information about promotions and activities to celebrate Culture Round.