Highlanders

Spectacular setting for Highlanders

Super Rugby

10th November 2006

The Highlanders are taking Rebel Sport Super 14 rugby to one of the world’s most spectacular settings next year.

The franchise chief executive, Russell Gray, said today that the Highlanders’ match in the 2007 competition against the Chiefs will be played in Queenstown.

While the Highlanders have played warmup matches in Queenstown previously, this will be the first time a competition match will be played there.

The game will be played at Easter when the popular holiday resort is at capacity.

‘This is a progressive move by the Highlanders board and showcases not just the rugby but also one of the jewels in New Zealand’s tourism crown,’ Gray said.

The game will be played in the afternoon on Easter Saturday, April 7.

It was welcomed by the mayor of Queenstown, Clive Geddes.

‘The staging of this game is a vote of confidence by the Highlanders organisation in the ability of the Queenstown Events Centre and the resort to successfully host a major rugby event,’ he said.

‘It is a welcome addition to Queenstown’s events calendar and will see top level rugby being played at one of the most spectacular venues in the world.’

Geddes said he hoped it would become an annual fixture.

Queenstown becomes the Highlanders’ third home venue after Carisbrook in Dunedin and Rugby Park Stadium in Invercargill.

Tickets for all Highlanders matches in Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown go on sale Friday December 1^st from Ticketdirect outlets, www.ticketdirect.co.nz and 0800 CARISBROOK.