Progressive Meats (Craig Hickson - Managing Director) in conjunction with the rural community of Hawke's Bay be the Principal Sponsor of the Magpies for the next three years. As a result of the new partnership, the team that competes in the Air New Zealand Cup will from this point again be known as the Hawke's Bay Magpies.

Our Union is celebrating 125 years of the tradition, passion and pride that the Magpies have engendered not only in rugby but in our region as a whole. A connection to our rural community via Progressive Meats and Managing Director Craig Hickson re-aligns that part of our community with the Magpies as they strive for further success in the Air New Zealand Cup." HBRU CEO Mike Bishop stated today.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to invest in the future of elite level rugby in the Hawke's Bay Region. In association with Progressive Meats, the rural community of Hawke's Bay will be part of the Black and White colours which reflect the proud tradition and history of rugby in the Hawke's Bay region", Craig Hickson said today.