Gallagher Chiefs to kick-off 2024 season against Crusaders
Fans will have another opportunity to witness the Gallagher Chiefs battle the reigning champions, the Crusaders when they kick off the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season at home.
FMG Stadium Waikato sold out twice during the 2023 season, but fans will have plenty of chances to secure a seat next year with all six Gallagher Chiefs home games being played at the venue.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan said: "We fell agonisingly short of the outcome we wanted, but I am extremely proud of the dedication and efforts of our men throughout the season. We will reflect, learn and improve from this year’s experiences, but it’s also important that we reset the dial and keep moving forward.”
Following the Crusaders season opener, the Gallagher Chiefs will host the Fijian Drua, Highlanders, Moana Pasifika, Western Force, and the Hurricanes at home.
Teams will also return to Melbourne for Super Round on the first weekend of March, with the Gallagher Chiefs to face their semifinal opposition the Brumbies. Melbourne's recent support of the Bledisloe Cup test match where over 83,000 attended sets an exciting precedent for this weekend of Super Rugby.
Each DHL Super Rugby Pacific team will have three rivalry matches with the Crusaders, Moana Pasifika, and the Hurricanes to challenge the Gallagher Chiefs twice this season.
"Every season brings new challenges, and I am confident we are assembling a great roster that will be ready and motivated to take on whatever 2024 throws at us,” said McMillan.
"We can’t wait to get back in front of our loyal fans at a packed FMG Stadium Waikato and set about making them proud of everything we do.”
The 2024 Gallagher Chiefs squad will be announced later this year.
2024 Gallagher Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific Draw (round, opposition, date, kick-off time, location):
Round 1: v Crusaders, Friday 23 February, 7.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato
Round 2: v Brumbies, Sunday 3 March, 4pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Round 3: v Queensland Reds, Saturday 9 March, 9.35pm, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 4: v Fijian Drua, Saturday 16 March, 7.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato
Round 5: v Highlanders, Saturday 23 March, 4.35pm, FMG Stadium Waikato
Round 6: v Crusaders, Friday 29 March, 7.05pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Round 7: v Moana Pasifika, Saturday 6 April, 7.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato
Round 8: v Hurricanes, Saturday 13 April, 7.05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Round 9: BYE
Round 10: v Waratahs, Friday 26 April, 9.35pm, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Round 11: v Western Force, Saturday 4 May, 7.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato
Round 12: v Moana Pasifika, Friday 10 May, 7.05pm, TBC
Round 13: v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 17 May, 9.35pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Round 14: v Hurricanes, Friday 24 May, 7.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato
Round 15: v Blues, Saturday 1 June, 7.05pm, TBC
Home games are denoted in bold. Times in NZT.
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