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The financial constraints leaving the Blues, Crusaders without venues for Super Rugby Aotearoa

(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

Financial constraints have left the Blues and Crusaders without confirmed home venues as New Zealand Super Rugby sides prepare for a the new Kiwi domestic competition.

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When the schedule for the new Super Rugby Aoetearoa was released on Monday, the venues for the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders were all confirmed, with all three franchises set to play their home fixtures at their regular grounds.

But, while Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato, Wellington’s Sky Stadium and Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium have all been locked in, a verdict awaits for Auckland’s Eden Park and Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.

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The Super Rugby Aotearoa fixture list shows that home matches for the Blues and Crusaders are still yet to be decided as the economic implications of coronavirus takes its toll on New Zealand’s two most successful club sides.

Blues chief executive Andrew Hore and Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge both told Newshub on Monday that their franchises are still working through the financial aspects of playing at their usual home stadiums.

That has become more difficult, though, as a lack of ticket revenue and sale of both food and drink as well as merchandise has taken a hit on their respective balance sheets.

In the case of the Crusaders, maintenance issues, health and safety concerns and scheduling conflicts have added to the complexity of the problem.

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A Stuff report released on Tuesday indicated that the two clubs are seeking reduced rates for ground use due to the fact that, until COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, fans won’t be able to attend matches.

According to the report, it costs the Blues $30,000 just to open its doors to fans at Eden Park, and the Auckland side are hopeful of reducing that figure to allow only a few hundred into the stadium to broadcast fixtures.

Should an agreement failed to be reached about rent fees, potential alternatives for the Blues include North Harbour’s QBE Stadium in Albany, or Penrose’s Mt Smart Stadium, home of the Warriors who remain in Australia as part of the coronavirus-impacted NRL season.

Hore and Mansbridge both told Newshub they hoped to resolve the issues in the coming days.

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R
RedWarrior 55 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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