Super Rugby
Highlanders, Toulon in talks for Hong Kong clash
ESPN Staff
August 13, 2015
The Highlanders upset the Hurricanes in this year's Super Rugby final © Getty Images
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European champions Toulon say they are close to confirming an inter-hemisphere match against the Super Rugby champion Highlanders.

A short statement on Toulon's website said they have been in talks with the New Zealand franchise for several months and are targeting a one-off fixture in Hong Kong on February 6. Philippe Spanghero, manager of organisers SL Events, told AFP that both teams have sent off a request for agreement from their respective national unions.

The Highlanders also confirmed their interest via a press release on Thursday morning (NZ time), saying the match would be "an integral part of their preseason campaign for 2016.

"Obviously it's a significant opportunity and it would be the first time the Highlanders have matched up against a European side," Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said. "It's fair to say the coaching group are excited by the prospect. While there are still a number of operational and compliance issues to work through we do have agreement in principle."

The match would fall shortly before the start of the 2016 Super Rugby season and would clash with the opening weekend of Six Nations Tests in Europe.

Rich French outfit Toulon have proposed similar matches in the past two years but they have fallen through. They have won three successive European crowns while the Highlanders snared their maiden Super Rugby title last year.

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