Plans underway for Crusaders to play Hurricanes in Fiji

Plans are already underway for seven time Super Rugby Champions, the Crusaders to bring their match against the Hurricanes next year to Fiji.

Details are still being sorted but a group has agreed to underwrite the match, which is likely to be played at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

In 2011, the Crusaders played the Sharks in Twickenham because AMI Stadium was damaged in the February 22 earthquake.

With AMI Stadium being used for the Under‑20 Fifa World Cup in late May and June next year, the Crusaders were forced to look for an alternative venue.

The Crusaders have considered Nelson and Timaru but when a sponsor offered to back the game if it was shifted to Fiji, the Crusaders began discussing the concept with tournament officials.

If the game in Fiji is approved, the Crusaders will play their last four pool games away in Sydney, Fiji, Auckland and Canberra, a schedule which will have a bigger impact on the Crusaders if they qualify for offshore playoff matches.