Super Rugby 2012
Crusaders opt to play in Napier
ESPNscrum Staff
January 19, 2012
Crusaders No.8 Kieran Read is tackled by by the Chiefs' Sam Cane, Crusaders v Chiefs, Super Rugby, McLean Park, Napier, New Zealand, May 21, 2011
Kieran Read on the charge for the Crusaders at McLean Park last year © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

The Crusaders have confirmed that they will play their first home match of the 2012 Super Rugby season at Napier's McLean Park.

The Christchurch-based franchise had hoped to return to the city for the forthcoming campaign but delays have forced them to cast their net elsewhere. With the AMI Stadium still facing an uncertain future, Todd Blackadder's Crusaders have lined up the Rugby League Park in Christchurch as their home for the 2012 season. But they have decided to turn their backs on Timaru and Nelson in favour of taking the side to the North Island for their opening clash against the Chiefs on February 9.

"Having lost NZ$700,000 (£363,000) last year, we are extremely conscious of the financial implications of all our decisions this year, and the extra return from playing at McLean Park is significant," Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said.

"We played there last season and had fantastic support and we believe that support will be there again this year. Both those cities gave us tremendous support last season and while we know there will be disappointment that we are not returning for a match in 2012, we hope our fans in those cities understand the reasons for the decision."

© 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