Crusaders proposed Twickenham for Sharks fixture – Super rugby update
Sharks have been asked by Crusaders to shift the upcoming Super Rugby fixture to Twickenham in London from New Zealand on 25thMarch. The England’s capital city will become the first ever city to be hosting a Super 15 clash if the proposed idea gets approved
by the South African club.
After the Christchurch earthquake a lot of matches were disturbed and schedule for the future matches is still under consideration. This development is also in result of earthquake aftermath. Crusaders had to shift the venue anyways, as the AMI Stadium at
Christchurch is not in suitable condition and will take three months of time to rebuild.
Automatically a few games were already scheduled for Nelson, at the South Island’s north region. On the other hand, the Trafalgar Park option of 10,500 seats doesn’t seem quite suitable as yet. It is the half of the average number of Crusader fans expected,
so it isn’t a reliable long term option.
Meanwhile, the Sharks officials have taken the proposal under consideration and will be reviewing the ins and outs of the deal thoroughly. Though, the decision is expected after the Sharks play their next match in Melbourne on Friday against Rebels.
Brian van Zyl, the Sharks chief executive officer said, “It is under debate but we will only make a conclusion on whether to agree following our fixture on Friday. While we recognize their troubles, we must make a rugby decision that is best for the Sharks'
crusade.”
Mentioning the clubs sponsors and stakeholders he added, “It must be a decision in the best interests of the team and our stakeholders.”
Crusaders have already their home game away at Nelson past weekend. The team went in full with emotions and sorrow for the loss for their hometown earthquake victims and came out victorious after beating Waratahs with 33-18 on the scoreboard.
Their fixture against Hurricanes was declared to be draw after being cancelled last week due to the earthquake. Hurricanes were cooperative with the decision and agreed to the development. The match was supposed to be held in Wellington. Crusaders will be
facing Brumbies next before they go for the kill against Sharks.
Hamish Riach, the Crusaders chief executive officer said, “It's certainly an alternative. Australia's an option, in another place around the country's an alternative and we want to poise that with our area. We can't get through our year on 10,500 people
every week so we want to do something gigantic and theatrical.”
Crusaders have also approached the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for the proposal and the union seems to be positive and accommodating with the idea. RFU has already been supporting in taking rugby international and had approved a European Cup match in Abu
Dhabi in February this year.
On the contrary, the Twickenham officials are still having doubts and are investigating the situation. At such short notice, it might be difficult for the host city to make such arrangements. Decision is expected on Wednesday and a good decision means that
the venture will be approved. After European Cup this would be the second event that will be going international.
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