Invercargill, New Zealand – March 14, 2025 – Rugby Southland is excited to announce the full 2025 home and away schedule for the SBS Bank Southland Stags in the Bunnings NPC, including the much-anticipated Stag Day, which is set to return to Rugby Park for a rare second year in a row.

The season kicks off in thrilling fashion with the Stags hosting old rivals Otago in the iconic Stag Day on Saturday, August 2nd, at 4:35 pm. Following a hugely successful Stag Day in 2024, which saw a 7,300-strong crowd at Rugby Park, Rugby Southland has set an ambitious goal for 2025: to attract 10,000 fans to the opening match. The 10K for Stag Day campaign aims to create a spectacular atmosphere at Rugby Park and solidify Stag Day as one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the Southland sports calendar.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Stag Day back for a rare second year in a row,” said Rugby Southland CEO, Hua Tamariki. “The support we saw last year was outstanding, and with the 10K for Stag Day campaign, we’re aiming to make this year’s opener even bigger. It’s about more than just rugby – it’s about creating a community event that brings everyone together.”

Jack King, Rugby Southland’s Head of Commercial and Business Development, also shared his enthusiasm for the 2025 season: “Stag Day is a unique event that has a real pulse in the heart of the South. To see the community rally behind the Stags like this is truly special. Our goal of 10,000 fans at Rugby Park is ambitious, but we know our supporters are passionate, and with their backing, it’s within reach. It’s about creating an unforgettable experience for fans, families, and the whole region.”

The Stags will also play a series of exciting home games at Rugby Park during the 2025 Bunnings NPC, including:

• Friday, August 15th at 7:05 pm – Manawatu
• Saturday, September 6th at 4:05 pm – Canterbury
• Sunday, September 14th at 4:35 pm – Counties Manukau
• Friday, September 26th at 7:05 pm – Tasman

In a twist of scheduling, Southland will face all South Island sides at home in Invercargill, ensuring the Deep South is alive with intense local rivalries.

In addition to the home games, the Stags will travel for a number of away matches, including:

• Friday, August 8th at 7:05 pm – Northland (Whangarei)
• Thursday, August 21st at 7:05 pm – Bay of Plenty (Rotorua)
• Sunday, August 31st at 4:35 pm – Waikato (Hamilton)
• Saturday, September 20th at 2:05 pm – Wellington (Porirua)
• Friday, October 3rd at 7:05 pm – North Harbour (Auckland)

The 2025 Bunnings NPC playoffs will kick off on Friday, October 10th, with the final scheduled for Labour Weekend.

Fans can expect an exciting season, with the SBS Bank Southland Stags aiming to build on their strong performances from previous years. Stag Day marks the start of what promises to be a thrilling campaign.

Tickets for Stag Day and all other home games will be available soon, and fans are encouraged to get behind the team in a big way to make 2025 a season to remember. Don’t miss out – join the movement with 10K for Stag Day!