Gatorade

125 years old in 2011, Manawatu has been the breeding ground of legendary All Blacks from Kel Tremain and Wilson Whineray to the iconic Christian Cullen and current ABs Aaron Cruden and Aaron Smith.

After returning to the top competition in 2006 the Manawatu Turbos set about rebuilding what was once a powerhouse of provincial rugby. They came close to winning the championship in 2011 but missed out in the final to Hawke’s Bay. Playing an expansive attacking game complimented by gritty defence the Turbos surged back into the final in 2014 to face none other than Hawke’s Bay. In front of 10,000 fans the Turbos won their first championship in 34 years thanks to a stirring second half comeback.