Rugby: Crusaders homeless for 2012

The Crusaders played a home game as far away as London this year. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders are facing another season of home games away from home, after AMI Stadium was confirmed as unavailable for next season.

Christchurch City Council announced today the Hadlee Stand has suffered "severe" earthquake damage, and wiare recommending it be demolished.

Additionally, the Tui Stand at the south end of the stadium requires re-levelling and other repairs, while more work is required to establish the best outcomes for the Paul Kelly and the Deans stands.

Both stands have dropped around 300-400mm as a result of the earthquakes, and the floors of both are uneven, with the floor height of the Paul Kelly Stand varying up to 70mm and the floor height of the Deans Stand varying up to 300mm.

The council said engineers are still working to establish what the most appropriate repair method would be. One method of repair, if it is possible, could require driving piles down 25 metres to reach solid ground.

Councillor Sue Wells said the scale of the re-levelling required on the Tui, Paul Kelly and Deans stands has never been undertaken before in New Zealand and is rare around the world. "Engineers are working now to determine the best method of repair and to establish the costs involved," she said.

"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."

The Crusaders were forced to play their home games in this year's Super 15 season at five different venues with five matches played at nearby Nelson and Timaru, towns inside the Crusaders catchment area.

They also played two games in Napier and Wellington and as far away as London where they beat the Sharks at Twickenham.

Despite having their home ground out of action for the entire season the Crusaders still reached the final before losing to the Reds in Brisbane.

- HERALD ONLINE