Confirmation on Crusaders-Hurricanes match in Fiji yet to be finalised

The Fiji Sports Commission is still awaiting confirmation from the New Zealand Players Association on whether they have agreed to bring the Crusaders and Hurricanes Super Rugby match to Fiji.

Sports Commission Chairman, Peter Mazey says they are eagerly awaiting the result of the meeting and the people of Fiji are looking forward to witness two super rugby giants battle it out at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Earlier this week, New Zealand Herald reported that the Crusaders board has approved for the match to be staged in Fiji but they are yet to convince the New Zealand Players= Association, which remains concerned about the fixture.

The match is likely to be on May 26th next year, and is seen by the Crusaders= administration as a lucrative way of capitalising on the fact that AMI Stadium will not be available because of the FIFA Under‑20 World Cup to be held in New Zealand in May and June.

It is understood that an unnamed sponsor has agreed to underwrite the Fiji trip and that the Fijian Government has also promised the Crusaders a financial reward.

The Crusaders and Hurricanes match could involve at least 20 All Blacks, including Captain Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Dan Carter, Sam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks and Luke Romano while Beauden Barrett, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Julian Savea may play for Hurricanes.

A final decision from the New Zealand Players Association is expected to be made at the end of this month.