Eden Park to stage NRL and Super Rugby double header

In a first for both sporting codes in Australia, the NRL’s Canberra Raiders will join the Brumbies Super Rugby team in a historic doubleheader at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday 21st March.

The Raiders will play the New Zealand Warriors at first, followed by the Brumbies taking on the Auckland Blues.

Announcing the unique event hosting, Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner commented “New Zealand’s national stadium was built for crowds of all sizes and demographics so an opportunity to host fans of both the Blues and the Vodafone Warriors in our 116-year old home is inspiring. We look forward to showcasing the stadium’s diversity and providing Kiwis with another great reason to visit Eden Park.”

Commenting on the linking of the two codes, Raiders Chief Executive, Don Furner stated “the Raiders are looking forward to being part of a unique fan experience and the doubleheader with the Brumbies at a world-class venue like Eden Park should draw a big crowd.

“This history-making event is a chance for both codes to showcase their teams on the big stage and hopefully we see a Raiders and Brumbies double on the night.”

Advising that the Brumbies were also looking forward to the event in what should be a very entertaining evening for fans of both codes, Brumbies Chief Executive, Phil Thomson, added "we are delighted to be a part of this innovative and exciting event in Auckland,” Thomson said.

“This is a unique event and a chance for fans of both codes in Canberra to get behind their teams together in what should be a fantastic sporting spectacle played out at one of the World’s most famous venues.

“The double-header concept has been approved by NZ Rugby, SANZAAR and the NRL to proceed and we are very excited to take part in what will be a history creating event.”

Eden Park has a capacity of 50,000 and serves as the home venue of the Blues. The Warriors usually play at the 25,000-seat Mt Smart Stadium and the 21st March game at Eden Park will count as one of the team’s 10 home games in Auckland next season.