Super clash set for Mars

MARS Stadium will host the first regional Super Rugby game in twenty-five years with the Melbourne Rebels set to take on the Durban based Sharks.

The round four match on Saturday, 22 February will kick off a little earlier, at 3pm, to ensure the event is family friendly, with entertaining activations adjacent to the ground.

Melbourne Rebels general manager of professional rugby, Nick Ryan said the contest will further cement their partnership with Ballarat, having had practice games and two pre-season camps in the city previously.

“It’s the first time in the 10-year history that we’re taking a game away from AAMI Park, and we’ve chosen the City of Ballarat to do that which is a really significant step for the club,” he said.

“All the infrastructure that will help us prepare and play well on the day is here, so there’s certainly no excuses for us to not put on a good show when we come back.”

Cr Des Hudson said council is “stoked” to host the first regional game of its kind.

“We always had the vision, when we were constructing the facility, that it would…lend itself to so many different codes,” he said.

“The Sharks from South Africa… they’ve got a tough gig. Melbourne tends to go really well here.”