Super Rugby
Crusaders' Twickenham plan nixed
ESPNscrum Staff
March 9, 2011
The Crusaders take a moment ahead of their emotional return to the field, Crusaders v Waratahs, Super Rugby, Trafalgar Park, Nelson, New Zealand, March 4, 2011
The Crusaders had hoped to stage a fixture at Twickenham © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

The RFU has ruled out the possibility of Twickenham hosting the Crusaders' Super Rugby match against the Sharks on March 26.

The franchise had contacted the union regarding the plan after AMI Stadium was damaged in the recent Christchurch earthquake.

The RFU has concluded the logistical challenges were too great, particularly with neighbours Harlequins playing Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership on the same day, but offered future dates as possibilities in a bid to aid the region.

"Given we are keen to help support the people of Christchurch as they recover from the dreadful events of the last few weeks this was something we looked at seriously, even given the short time-frames involved," an RFU spokesperson said.

"Unfortunately in the end it has just not proved possible to do this given the operational challenges involved and in particular the transport, policing and security issues that would arise from the clash with the Harlequins game on the same day less than one mile away.

"We have confirmed this to Crusaders today with regret but have offered other dates later in the Super 15 season to continue to offer the hand of rugby friendship to Christchurch and its people."

Wembley officials confirmed on Wednesday that they had not received any approaches from the Crusaders but the stadium would be unavailable anyway, with England playing Ghana in a friendly on March 29.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices