Crusaders to play next Super Rugby season away from home due to unavailability of AMI Stadium
The Crusaders will be playing their next season of Super Rugby 2012 away from home. The AMI Stadium in Christchurch, which was declared unfit to host any matches of Super Rugby and Rugby World Cup 2011 due to horrible quake on February 22, will not be prepared
to provide its surface in 2012 as well. Christchurch City Council confirmed the news today on August 9 and said that the Crusaders will see out their next season of Super Rugby as nomads.
AMI Stadium in Christchurch was destroyed by the powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquaje in mid-February which cost huge infrastructural damage to the second largest stadium of New Zealand. Initially, the stadium was thought to have sustained minor damage but
a closer inspection by International Rugby Board found it inappropriate to conduct any matches of Super Rugby and RWC 2011.
The Crusaders played their five home matches of Super Rugby 2011 at various grounds in New Zealand. The masterfully built venue was also deprived of seven matches of Rugby World Cup 2011, including two quarter-finals.
Christchurch Councillor, Sue Wells, told the media on August 9 that venue had sustained more damage than expectated. She added that, “Engineers are working now to determine the best method of repair and to establish the costs involved. In the meantime the
Council is still working with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union on finding an alternative home for rugby in Christchurch. At this stage we can confirm that the stadium will not be available for the 2012 season and we will continue working with everyone involved.”
Meanwhile, engineers have recommended demolishing several parts of AMI Stadium. They suggested to the management of AMI Stadium the complete demolishing of Hadlee Stand, re-leveling of Tui Stand and several changes in Paul Kelly Stand.
Apart from AMI Stadium damage, the tremor played havoc in Christchurch and claimed the lives of at least 181 people in no time. Tens of thousands houses were turned to dust and many more perceived irreparable.
Tags: