Super Rugby
Crusaders line up Trafalgar Park
ESPNscrum Staff
June 14, 2011
The Crusaders spirit has remained strong in Christchurch despite the devastating after-shocks from the February earthquake © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Todd Blackadder
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby
Teams: New Zealand

The Crusaders have confirmed Trafalgar Park in Nelson as the venue for a potential home Qualifier match or semi-final in this season's Super Rugby competition, if the Canterbury outfit get that far.

The Crusaders face Hurricanes at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday and depending on results, the Crusaders can finish anywhere between second and sixth. The stadium has recently had its capacity increased to 18,000 in preparation for the World Cup and the Crusaders chose Trafalgar Park for its local proximity to Christchurch.

"While we considered some very strong offers to host any potential qualifier or semi-final match outside our region, we decided that following such support from the Nelson area that we will play at Trafalgar Park if the opportunity arises," said Crusaders Chief Executive Officer Hamish Riach. "We want to stay as close to friends, family and regional fans as possible and playing at Trafalgar Park is a good fit for us. We are also hopeful that fans from Christchurch will want to support the team by travelling within the South Island, and enjoy the match, hospitality and other attractions of the northern part of the Crusaders region." Riach went onto add that if the Crusaders get as far as the Super 15 final then Auckland has been lined up as a potential venue. "There are many things still to work through before we get to that stage, obviously, but the moment Eden Park is our preference."

Todd Blackadder, Crusaders coach, went onto pay tribute to the Nelson region for their support following the February Christchurch earthquake."We have received outstanding support from the Nelson region leading up to and during our three games at Trafalgar Park this season and we hope we're in a position to head back there," said Blackadder.

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