Trafalgar Park in Nelson confirmed as potential Qualifier or Semi-Final venue for Crusaders
Story by: CRFU - Photo by: By Chris Symes
Trafalgar Park in Nelson has been confirmed as the venue if the Crusaders qualify for a home Qualifier match or Semi-Final in this season's Investec Super Rugby competition.
The Crusaders are currently third on the Investec Super Rugby table going into Saturday night's final regular season match against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
If the Crusaders finish second on the table they will host a Semi-Final on Friday, July 1 or Saturday July 2. If they finish third or fourth they will host a Qualifying match a week earlier on Friday, June 24 or Saturday, June 25.
Depending on results, at best the Crusaders can finish second on the table, and at worst sixth.
Crusaders Chief Executive Officer Hamish Riach said: "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.
"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."
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said: "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."
The capacity for Trafalgar Park has been increased to about 18,000 due to its readiness for the Rugby World Cup.
In the event that the Crusaders are in a position to host a final, Eden Park in Auckland is the preference. Mr Riach added: "There are many things still to work through before we get to that stage, obviously, but the moment Eden Park is our preference."