Super Rugby Debuts in Joondalup: Western Force Host Blues at HIF Oval
Super Rugby will be played in Joondalup for the very first time this Saturday, February 21, with the Western Force set to host Auckland's Blues at HIF Health Insurance Oval. The Round 2 match, kicking off at 4.35pm, has been moved from HBF Park to accommodate the upcoming 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, as the stadium is being handed over to tournament organisers in preparation for the event.
Homecoming for Emerging Talent Nathan Hastie
For emerging talent Nathan Hastie, this match represents another homecoming, just a week after his Western Force debut following his transfer from New Zealand's Highlanders. The 24-year-old half-back grew up in the northern suburbs around Greenwood and Warwick, playing his junior rugby at Wanneroo.
Hastie expressed his excitement about returning to play in the northern suburbs and putting on a show for local fans. "I'm stoked that we can take a game out to the community and take it to the northern suburbs. Hopefully we can get a few supporters down there," he said. "It's a great area for rugby. There's lots of Kiwis, there's lots of passionate rugby supporters around the area, so hopefully we can get a few of them to the game on Saturday."
While the game at Arena Joondalup, with a capacity of 12,500, is currently a one-off, Hastie hopes more matches can be brought to Joondalup in the future if it proves successful. "If we get a good support, get a good crowd and get a good push behind it, I don't see why we couldn't play in Joondalup again," Hastie added.
Historical Context and Community Impact
Saturday's match won't be the first professional rugby union fixture at the venue, as the Perth Spirit hosted an NRC game there back in 2014. Joondalup mayor Daniel Kingston welcomed the opportunity to host Super Rugby, noting the significant number of expats from rugby-loving nations living in the northern suburbs.
"Nearly 40 per cent of residents in our region were born overseas, predominantly from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa, and the chance to see elite domestic rugby in our backyard will be eagerly anticipated," Mr Kingston said. "We also look forward to seeing Joondalup showcased internationally through millions of viewers around the globe."
VenuesWest CEO David Etherton, who collaborated with the Western Force to bring Super Rugby to Joondalup, highlighted the match as an exciting opportunity for both the competition and the local area. "A Super Rugby game at the venue will increase the visibility of elite sport to grassroots players, and this is a rare opportunity for the community and patrons to get close to the action," Mr Etherton stated.
Match Details and Fan Experience
Dubbed the 'A Force in the North' game, a fan zone will be established on the eastern bank of the oval, featuring:
- Free Force airbrush tattoos
- Player signings and posters
- A bouncy castle
- Plenty of activities for children
Tickets for the match remain available online through Ticketmaster. Force members will need to purchase tickets, as this game is not included in their 2026 memberships, though they are entitled to a 10 per cent discount. Gates will open at 3.05pm ahead of the 4.35pm kick-off, ensuring fans have ample time to enjoy the pre-match festivities.
