Central rugby fans can rub shoulders with the Highlanders, who are visiting Central towns next week thanks to the support of local construction company Breen.

The team’s upcoming regional road trip will make stops in Wānaka, Ranfurly, Cromwell, and Alexandra on the way to Queenstown for the first preseason game against Moana Pasifika on February 2.

Highlanders marketing manager Amanda Gould said players are excited to travel to the regions and meet the people they may not get the chance to meet during the season.

“We have a lot of local players this year so for many it is a great privilege to go back to where they came from, or have spent a lot of time growing up.

"Our players from outside of the Highlanders region have heard so much about Central Otago and are keen to see and experience it themselves.”

The three Central roadshows are: Ranfurly Rugby Football Club on January 30 for training at 2.15pm, followed by a player meet and greet at 3.45pm; Cromwell’s Anderson Park on January 31 at 3.30pm and Alexandra’s Pioneer Park on February 1 for an open captain's run at 10.45am and a player meet and greet at 3.30pm.  

Amanda said all of the players would attend trainings and community events and there would be giveaways of Highlanders merchandise, including flags and posters at each community event. 

The Highlanders coaches Kane Jury, Kenny Lynn and Dave Dillon are running a free coaching session focused on teenagers and young adult athletes on Wednesday evening, January 31, at 7pm, at Cromwell Combined Sport Club.

The session is open to coaches from all codes and genders. To book a place email: [email protected]

Players to watch in Frankton on the Friday evening, include hard running back Timoci Tavatavanawai for the Highlanders and Julian Savea, who is playing for Moana Pasifika this season.

Children under 13 have free entry into the game at Queenstown Event Centre and there is a family friendly kick off time of 6pm.

Tickets are online here.

Breen’s two year sponsorship was announced in early December.

Breen director Lindsay Breen said as a family they like sports.

“The company has had ties to the Highlanders for a long time that have only deepened over the years. We decided . . . to leverage the relationships we've had with this team for the advantage of our team, our communities and our business.”

He said the sponsorship gives Breen the opportunity to align with a regional brand and give something back to our team and the community that support us each year.

The Highlanders last won the super rugby season in 2015. Last year's team placed ninth and won five games. 

Residents from Otakou (Otago), Murihiku (Southland) and Waitaki all support the team, and this year is the 29th year of the super rugby competition.

Any weather related or other updates for the regional roadshow events will be on Facebook.

Further information is on The Central App event listings; Ranfurly, Cromwell, and Alexandra.