Pacific Islanders’ love of rugby will see Fiji host first-ever Super Rugby game in 2016

SUPER RUGBY will continue its expansion next year with the Chiefs playing one of their home games in Fiji, the first time a match has been played in the Pacific Islands.

The previously wholly Southern Hemisphere rugby competition is expanding to 18 teams next season with sides in South Africa, Argentina and Japan joining the tournament.

Japan’s Sunwolves side will play some of their home matches in Singapore.

The Chiefs will play the seven-time champion Crusaders in Suva on July 1. It is only the second time a New Zealand side will play a home match outside of their country.

The Crusaders played a “home” match against the Sharks in London in 2011 following an earthquake that forced them to play all of their games away from Christchurch.

“This is a great opportunity to take the... Chiefs to Fiji and help promote the game in their country,” Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman said.

“Fijians have added a huge amount to New Zealand’s rugby heritage and it is fitting that we can give something back as well as expose our brand in a new territory.

“We know how much the Pacific Island people love their rugby and this year’s test match between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks was testament to that.”

Crusaders wing Nemani Nadolo played for Fiji at the recent Rugby World Cup in England, while he will be joined by flyhalf Ben Volavola next season after Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor all signed European contracts. – Reuters