Top-level rugby to return to Nelson [Nelson Mail]
Super Rugby is returning to Trafalgar Park for the first time since 2011, with the Crusaders set to host the Hurricanes in a Friday night clash on May 29.
With Christchurch's AMI Stadium unavailable at that time due to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the Crusaders were on the lookout for an alternative venue. The three front runners were Trafalgar Park, Timaru's Alpine Energy Stadium and Suva's National Stadium.
It was announced late yesterday afternoon that Nelson had won the rights to host the match at the start of Queen's Birthday Weekend, and Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Tony Lewis is expecting a sellout crowd of more than 12,000.
"Not only is it against the Hurricanes, which is absolutely perfect, but it's a long weekend, and there's an opportunity to turn that week into something really big," he said.
"It's not just about rugby but attracting people from the Wellington region and the Canterbury region for a long weekend.
"We want to make this an event so that every time the Crusaders think about the Hurricanes, they consider Nelson as a place to host that match."
Though both teams met in a pre-season match in Motueka last year, it has been four years since Super Rugby was played in Nelson city.
"If we can make the experience special for the players, and if we can make the experience special for the spectators and people want to come back, then we'll secure more matches for sure," Lewis said
The match announcement is set to be followed by the launch of the Crusaders academy in Nelson.
Lewis said the relationship between the Tasman Rugby Union and the Crusaders had never been stronger. "It's another tick in the box of a relationship that is going to continue to grow."
Lewis praised the support of the Nelson City Council in securing the match. "Without Nelson mayor Rachel Reese, we would never have this game."
Reese is on leave, but deputy mayor Paul Matheson voiced his excitement about the city hosting another Super Rugby fixture.
"It's good to have them back, but especially to have a team like the Hurricanes as well. You can expect a big influx of people coming down from Wellington. It's quite a drawcard."
Players with Nelson connections are scattered throughout the Crusaders squad, with Tim Perry and Kieran Fonotia as well as wider training squad members David Havili and Billy Guyton in the Tasman Makos. Others include former Nelson College First XV players Mitchell Drummond and Wyatt Crockett, and former Mako Jordan Taufua, while Owen Franks and Luke Romano grew up in Motueka and Golden Bay.
Tickets will go on sale within the next few weeks. "If you want to secure a seat, then you better move quickly," Lewis said.
