Rugby: Games to go ahead as teams get flights

Richie McCaw organised a DC3 plane for the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

Richie McCaw has come to the rescue and secured his Crusaders teammates a DC3 plane to ensure they get to Wellington for Saturday's clash with the Hurricanes after airports in the South Island were closed due to volcanic ash.

Four Super 15 teams have had to make new travel arrangements to reach their destinations ahead of the final round starting Friday.

A plume of ash floating through southern skies due to the Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile has closed airports in the South Island and cancelled flights across the Tasman, stranding the Highlanders, Crusaders and Reds.

Sanzar CEO Greg Peters confirmed that teams have all secured new flight arrangements.

"We are relieved at this stage to have resolved these issues," he said.

"Obviously until all teams are where they need to be for this weekend's games we will continue to monitor the situation".

He confirmed the Highlanders are taking a charter flight from Dunedin to Auckland this afternoon for Friday night's match against the Blues, while the Crusaders will fly in a DC3 to Wellington for Saturday's clash with the Hurricanes.

The Reds, who play the Chiefs on Saturday, are flying into Auckland via an Emirates flight today.

The Western Force were due to leave Perth for Melbourne this morning.

The injured All Black captain McCaw used his connections with the Southern DC Trust to ensure the Crusaders will get to Wellington as planned.

As a patron for the Southern DC Trust McCaw secured a flight for tomorrow morning, Crusaders media manager Patrick McKendry told nzherald.co.nz.

"He came in this morning and made a few calls.

"Since it only seats 28, it means some management will have to drive up to Wellington along with some luggage," he said.

McCaw won't be playing in Saturday's match as he continues to suffer from a foot injury.