Super Rugby’s most successful team, the BNZ Crusaders have arrived at Nausori Airport for their historic match against the Callagher Chiefs this Friday.
The seven-time champions were welcomed with a full traditional welcome ceremony at Nausori Airport.
Some of the players that arrived this morning are All Blacks and Crusaders captain Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Nemani Nadolo, Andy Ellis, Israel Dagg and Codie Taylor.
Ben Volavola was not included in the Crusaders travelling squad.
Captain Kieran Read said this is an important match for them.
Read said they are happy to have Nemani Nadolo and Jone Macilai in the team.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder expects the Chiefs to come out firing on Friday.
Meanwhile, Lelean students again lined up from Nausori Airport to the main road with Crusaders flags.
Excited fans waited outside to get a glimpse of the players.
The Chiefs vs Crusaders match is being funded through government funding of $2.3 million, which will cater for team costs and accommodation and local travel costs.
Fortress Information System is sponsoring $1 million as corporate sponsorship of the event.
Fiji Airways is engaged by Sanzar as the international airline to provide flights for the Crusaders and Chiefs to Suva for the match.
Sky TV coverage of the game will reach out to 154 countries with over 200 million households.
This will represent nearly half a billion people who will watch the live broadcast.
The Crusaders will clash with the Chiefs at 7.35pm Friday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
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