There will be “no mucking around” when New Zealand’s rugby legends and cricket stars face off in a fast-paced, fun-filled T20 showdown at the Bay Oval next weekend.

The electrifying sport code crossover – dubbed The Hot Spring Spas T20 Tauranga Black Clash – returns to Mount Maunganui on Saturday, January 17, from 6.30pm.

While cricket heads the leaderboard with 5-2 previous wins, rugby reckons the two codes would meet on an almost equal playing field this year.

Last year, history was made when the Gallagher Chiefs faced the Western Force on Anzac Day for Super Rugby’s first – but not their last – visit to the traditional cricket grounds.

Team Rugby’s ex-All Black Andy Ellis admitted to the Weekend Sun that “we haven’t beaten those cricket boys for a while” but said there would be “no mucking around” in 2026.

He expected this year to be a cracker. “The last one [I played in] was epic,” said Ellis, who was part 2023’s Black Clash. “The weather was amazing and the match was a sellout.

“People were singing – it was a mix of a concert, entertainment, and some serious sport.”

This year, Australian cricket legend Michael Hussey – aka ‘Mr Cricket’ – is the international wildcard player for Team Rugby, and former Black Caps bowling superstars Tim Southee and Neil Wagner would join Team Cricket for the first time. The names of more players can be found at https://blackclash.flicket.co.nz

Left-handed batsman and former Black Cap Jesse Ryder – who will also make his Black Clash debut this year – said he was so excited to be involved.

“Getting to play in front of the New Zealand crowd again will be pretty awesome. The Bay Oval always gets a full house.”

Ryder said team cricket should win, since cricket is their sport. “But you never know with Team Rugby. They’ve got some great cricketers in their set-up as well. Hopefully it’s a close game for the crowd.”

The Hot Spring Spas T20 Tauranga Black Clash is on Saturday, January 17, from 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from $79 each at: https://blackclash.flicket.co.nz

The Weekend Sun has two double passes to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us which sports code is heading the Black Clash leaderboard for next weekend’s event?

To enter, visit wwwsunlive.co.nz and click on the “competitions” tab. Entries must be in by Tuesday, January 13, 2026.