Super Rugby to play at Mars Stadium

A SUPER rugby practice match will be held at Mars Stadium on Friday, 1 February.

The Melbourne Rebels will clash with the Queensland Reds in Ballarat, sparked by a threeyear partnership with The City of Ballarat.

Cr Samantha McIntosh, mayor of the City of Ballarat said it’s an opportunity for the region’s rugby union fans to see their idols play in their own backyard.

Although it has come at a significant outlay to the council, Ms McIntosh said the partnership aims to encourage a broader array of the community to get involved in sport

“Our goal is to really involve the local rugby community and even more broadly than that, we’ve been working really strongly on our women’s and girl’s strategy,” she said.

“This is a blokes’ match – it will be great for everyone – but we really want to get all those women and girls involved as well.”

Melbourne Rebels Women’s, Alice Masters, said the women’s rugby community is small but growing because the game is “empowering.”

Looking ahead to February’s clash against the Reds, Melbourne Rebels prop, Tetera Faulkner thought the field and stadium was “awesome.”

Melbourne Rebels General Manager Rugby and Pathways, Nick Ryan said it’s great to be bringing the Rebels back to their “spiritual home of Ballarat.”

“We we make a point of sharing our history with our players and staff, so returning to Ballarat is always a special occasion,” he said.

A couple of thousand people are expected to attend the practice match at Mars Stadium which Ms McIntosh said is “flexible.”

“AFL footy is not enough.”

The Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria are developing a number of match-day activations specifically for women and girls.

Further details about February’s practice match will be released in the New Year.