The countdown is underway with less than 50 days to go until the biggest weekend of Rugby.
After last year's inaugural event, all 12 Super Rugby Pacific teams will light up Melbourne throughout the 2023 edition of Super Round Melbourne with double headers played on every day of the round.
However it will be more than just Rugby, with live entertainment, interactive experiences, food trucks on display from across NZ, Australia and the Pacific, and live music.
Some of the stars from both on and off the field of Super Round Melbourne gathered at AAMI Park on Thursday to celebrate the 50 days to go milestone, including Daryl Braithwaite who will feature as part of a special performance from the Fabulous Caprettos on the Sunday.
“I’m really excited to be part of Super Round Melbourne, rugby is a passion of mine, and with Melbourne the home of all sport, it’s great that rugby has the opportunity to bring such a big event to Melbourne," Daryl Braithwaite said "The Fabulous Caprettos and I look forward to playing on the Sunday at AAMI Park, we think people will know and love the songs and have a lot of fun”
Also in attendance today was Australian hip hop band HP Boyz who will headline the Saturday action as part of the Pasifika Festival Day of Super Round Melbourne.
“We’re pumped to be involved. We’ve never done an event like this. It’ll be a big weekend of rugby, and rugby is close to our community so we’re blessed and grateful to headline the Pasifika Festival on the Saturday and have the opportunity to come and perform in front of everyone," HP Boyz said.
The opening night will see 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Champions, the Crusaders play the Highlanders in the first game of the round, followed by the home side Melbourne Rebels against the Hurricanes.
The AAMI Park precinct will become a dancefloor on Friday evening with party starters KLP and Stace Cadet pumping their energetic tunes throughout the night that will bring the area to life.
The electric atmosphere will continue into Saturday with the Pasifika Festival taking place in and around the ground. On the turf, Moana Pasifika will get their chance to play their first Super Round fixture against last year’s semi-finalists the Chiefs before the Fijian Drua play the NSW Waratahs.
The final doubleheader on Sunday will see a repeat of last year’s epic semi-final encounter between the Blues and the Brumbies before an all-Australian affair between the Western Force and the Queensland Reds. The final day of the round at AAMI Park will also host the ultimate Sunday Session with The Fabulous Caprettos performing some of Australian rock music’s most memorable hits.
Aria Hall-of-Famers, Daryl Braithwaite and Russell Morris join forces with music giants Jack Jones (Southern Sons) and Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc) to perform their greatest hits for what promises to be an extraordinary day.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said: “As Australia’s major events capital, Melbourne knows how to put on a show and Super Round Melbourne is going to be another epic weekend of sport, music, and entertainment.”
“We look forward to welcoming thousands of fans from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific for this super-charged event.”
One of the best spots to take in the rugby and the atmosphere all weekend long will be at Budgy Beach situated above the halfway line. The Budgy Beach brought to you by Budgy Smuggler will boast a near-perfect view of all six matches with giveaways and prizes to be won all weekend long.
Throughout the weekend, players from several Super Rugby Pacific sides will be available for a selfie and an autograph, a unique chance to meet the best of the best in rugby.
Tickets on sale now via Ticketek from $39 for one day passes and $89 for a three-day pass to see all six games.
