Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach has revealed that this weekend's 2011 Super Rugby final rematch between the Crusaders and the Reds is "essentially sold out".

Riach says ticket sales for the match against the Reds this Sunday at AMI Stadium in Addington have been very strong and it is essentially sold out.

"At this point it may be possible to buy a small handful of tickets to the game, but there are now so few of these tickets we are essentially sold out, "Mr Riach said.

"We want people to understand that they will not be able to buy tickets at the gate on Sunday, so that they are not disappointed.”

"It promises to be an exciting game between last season's two finalists. The Reds pipped us at the final hurdle last year, which was heartbreaking after everything the team had been through to get to that point.

"But this time we get to welcome the Reds to our own full home stadium and a great big rousing Canterbury welcome on our own patch. "

"Given the number of kids and families coming to this game, we can expect a noisy, vibrant and exciting atmosphere to welcome our visitors".