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Highlanders preparing for 'world first' if rugby bring back crowds for Super Rugby Aotearoa

(Photo by Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images)

The Highlanders could have the honour of of being the first top-class sporting side on the planet to host a live event in front of a crowd since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Tickets for their opening Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Chiefs next Saturday could go on sale as early as 4:30pm on Monday, depending on whether New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lifts public gathering restrictions in the coming days.

“We could be the first live sporting event in the world so you’ve got to be excited about that,” Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark told the Otago Daily Times.

“Of course we have to wait until Monday and see what the Prime Minister says, but if we get the go-ahead, then that would be great.”

“This could be a history-making, world-first event, the first of its kind since the pandemic.

“It’s bloody exciting for Dunedin, the stadium and for the Highlanders.

“We are getting ready for the tickets to go on sale at 4.30pm on Monday and have been in touch with all our sponsors and members who are pretty excited about it.”

The match at Forsyth Barr Stadium will be the Highlanders’ first in Dunedin since their 28-22 defeat to the Melbourne Rebels on February 28, meaning Clark was hopeful of a big crowd for the return of rugby after over three months.

“Anecdotally, from the people I have been talking to, everyone is really hanging out for the game,” he said.

“Between stadium members and our members we have about 7500 and they are really looking forward to something like this.

“We’ve had all those weeks when you had to spend time with just your family, not able to do much. Now I think everyone wants to go back out and be part of a big event.”

Next week’s opening round will also see the Blues – the new home of star playmakers Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter – take on the Hurricanes at Eden Park in Auckland.

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Dan Carter joins the Blues

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Dan Carter joins the Blues

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R
RedWarrior 29 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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