Rugby: Okara Park given green light

Okara Park in Whangarei has been declared ready to host Northland's Air NZ Cup fifth round match against Otago on August 28.

Last Saturday's game between Northland and Auckland was shifted to Kerikeri as Okara Park was deemed unfit to host a first class fixture because of its poor condition.

Wet weather had turned the surface into a bog at a ground which is also undergoing redevelopment ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

The Northland team have trained on their traditional home venue this week and the pitch surface has stood up well to some heavy scrummaging work.

- NZPA