Rugby: Forsyth Barr Stadium to host Heartland Championship match

Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Getty

Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium will play host to the North Otago vs Horowhenua Kapiti Mitre 10 Heartland Championship match.

The September 10 fixture will be the curtainraiser to the Otago v Tasman Mitre 10 Cup match. This will be the first time Horowhenua Kapiti has played at Forsyth Barr Stadium and under a closed roof.

This match follows the Horowhenua Kapiti v Wairarapa Bush Mitre 10 Heartland Championship fixture at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on September 3.

"To play two games in a row at test match venues will be a special couple of weeks for players, team management and the Horowhenua Kapiti rugby community. I am very thankful to the North Otago Rugby Union and Otago Rugby Union for allowing us the opportunity to take a Mitre 10 Heartland Championship fixture to a world renowned venue. Heartland players don't get this opportunity very often, so to be able to facilitate this great event is very pleasing. This will be an exciting new experience, and all will be looking forward to the occasion. A huge thank you also to SKY TV for broadcasting the match live," said Corey Kennett, chief executive of the Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union and a former loose forward for the province.

North Otago Rugby chief executive Colin Jackson said North Otago looked forward to hosting Horowhenua Kapiti.

"Our players just can't wait for another game in the stadium. Horowhenua Kapiti play a positive brand of rugby, so it will be fast and furious. With Otago playing after us, a memorable rugby day is assured. Well done and thank you to SKY TV and New Zealand Rugby for supporting Heartland rugby."

"This is an exciting prospect for our union and our players. It adds excitement to the campaign and reminds the players just how special it is to represent your union," said Horowhenua Kapiti coach Chris Wilton.

Both the September 3 Horowhenua Kapiti vs Wairarapa Bush fixture at Westpac Stadium, and the September 10 North Otago vs Horowhenua Kapiti fixture at Forsyth Barr Stadium, will be televised live on SKY Sport.