Highlanders to host match in Fiji

The Highlanders will move their traditional annual fixture from Invercargill to Fiji in 2018, meeting the Chiefs in Suva on June 30.

Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark confirmed the match will continue efforts to market Super Rugby to the Pacific Islands.

“We view the game in Fiji as an opportunity to broaden the appeal of Super Rugby,” Clark said.

“We are aware of the large following Super Rugby enjoys in Fiji and we are happy to have the chance to showcase our style of game in the islands.

“Fiji has produced so many great players including our own Waisake Naholo; it will be great experience for him and all the players.”

The Chiefs and Crusaders have held matches in Suva over the last two years while the Blues took their clash against the Reds to Samoa last year.

Head coach Aaron Mauger said the prospect of playing in Fiji was an exciting one.

“It’s a different challenge but potentially an exciting one. There have been some great Super Rugby games in Fiji over the last few years and against the Chiefs we will obviously have to be at our best; but we know to be successful in Super Rugby, you have to be prepared to play anyone, anywhere, at any time.”