Rugby: Crusaders new ground ready for second game

The newly proposed stadium for Christchurch will seat 17000 but could be extended to 26000 for major games. Photo / supplied

The Crusaders will be forced to spend another week away from home with the announcement that Rugby League Park will not be ready when first thought.

It was initially hoped the new stadium would be ready in early March but it will now be unveiled in their round five match against the Cheetahs on March 24.

Regardless, CEO Hamish Riach's not disheartened.

Riach says they acknowledged at the time it was an ambitious timeframe and was always going to be a stretch.

Riach insists it's still a positive situation, with a lot of people doing a lot of work to get the project completed.

Riach says the initial timeframe was really tight, but they're on track for their new target.