After more than a decade, the Gallagher Chiefs are excited to return to Tauranga to play a regular season game at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

This will be the first time that a Super Rugby Pacific fixture is played at this sports ground, which has been largely used for cricket.

The Gallagher Chiefs will face the Western Force in round 11 of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition on Friday 25th April kicking off at 7:05 pm.

“I’m excited that our community will experience Super Rugby in Tauranga for the first time in over ten years, inaugurally at the iconic Bay Oval,” said Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale

“We look forward to welcoming the Gallagher Chiefs and the Western Force to our city for what I’m sure will be a fantastic evening of rugby.”

The Chiefs Rugby Club have collaborated with the Bay Oval Trust, Tauranga City Council, and ticketing provider, Flicket to bring this unique match to the local area.

The Bay Oval is one of the most enjoyable grounds to watch cricket in New Zealand and will now provide a relaxed beachside vibe for fans to enjoy a Gallagher Chiefs game.

“It's great to bring Super Rugby back to my home region and know that our fans will appreciate the opportunity to see the team play in their backyard at this premiere sports ground,” said Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillian.

“We're excited to host our first Super Rugby match and the Gallagher Chiefs at the Bay Oval,” said Bay Oval Trust General Manager Kelvin Jones.

“The game will highlight the versatility of the venue as a truly community asset.

“After two recent international T20 cricket sellouts, we look forward to seeing the embankments full for this match.”

Bay Oval. Photo/Supplied.

“We are always conscious of trying to take games to our regional communities, so we are thrilled to be back in Tauranga,” said Chiefs Rugby Club CEO, Simon Graafhuis.

“It is an important part of the Chiefs region from a fan standpoint, and many of our commercial partners have a strong presence in the area, so are very supportive of this event to be held there.”

Being on Anzac Day adds to what will be a special occasion and will feature an Anzac service supported by the RSA in Mount Maunganui and Tauranga.

New Zealand artist, Cassie Henderson will be adding to the occasion signing the national anthem and performing at half-time.

Tickets for the Gallagher Chiefs games in the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season are on sale from 23rd January at https://chiefs.flicket.co.nz/ 

This regional game is not included in the Chiefs Rugby Club season long ticketed memberships for FMG Stadium home games.