Rugby: Canterbury given all clear for Rugby Park

Colin Slade training at Rugby Park last year. Photo / Star Canterbury

The Canterbury Rugby Union has been given the okay to host its home ITM Cup games at Rugby Park.

Engineers have inspected the stand and facilities following Monday's two big earthquakes.

Rugby Park is Canterbury's backup venue, with AMI Stadium out of commission while it undergoes earthquake repairs.

Yesterday The Crusaders confirmed Nelson's Trafalgar Park as their home venue for the Super 15 playoffs.

The New Zealand conference leaders are currently third in the overall Super rugby table going into Saturday night's final regular season match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

If the Crusaders finish second overall, they will host a semifinal on July 1 or July 2.

If they finish third or fourth they will host a semifinals qualifying match a week earlier on June 24 or June 25.

Depending on results, the Crusaders can finish second overall at best and sixth at worst.

"While we considered some very strong offers to host any potential qualifier or semifinal match outside our region, we decided that following such support from the Nelson area that we will play at Trafalgar Park if the opportunity arises," Crusaders chief executive officer Hamish Riach said.

"We want to stay as close to friends, family and regional fans as possible and playing at Trafalgar Park is a good fit for us."

In the event that the Crusaders are in a position to host a final, Eden Park in Auckland was the preferred choice, Riach added.

- NEWSTALK ZB/NZPA