Carter’s old club to host Crusaders’ pre-season clash

Dan Carter’s former club of Southbridge will host a preseason game between the Crusaders and Highlanders next year.

The date of the game has yet to be disclosed, but Farmlands, who sponsor the trophy that will be contested between the two teams for a fourth time, have revealed it will be played at the small Ellesmere club situated about 45km south of Christchurch before the first round of Super Rugby is held on February 15-16.

Former All Blacks and Crusaders great Carter, who played 112 tests between 2003-15 and now represents Japanese club Kobe Steel, got his first taste of rugby at the small club and played for it before moving to Christchurch in his late teens.

Since 2016, the Farmlands Cup has returned first-class rugby to its grassroots. Previous fixtures have been held in Waimumu in Southland (twice) and Darfield. Crusaders chairman Grant Jarrold said his club appreciated the opportunity to connect with supporters outside the cities.

‘‘The rural community in Canterbury represent an important fan base for us,’’ Jarrold said. ‘‘This will be the first time Southbridge have hosted this preseason fixture but plans are already well under way.’’

Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark emphasised the importance of taking games to the regions: ‘‘The South Island rural communities are passionate supporters of rugby and we are looking forward to defending the Cup in Southbridge in 2019.’’

Farmlands Co-operative chief executive Peter Reidie says the Farmlands Cup has captured the imagination of South Island rugby fans. ‘‘Rugby isn’t only about the big stadiums – it is about the small rugby grounds and parks around New Zealand that breed the next generation of Super Rugby players.’’

‘‘We have had three sell-outs in a row, giving 19,400 people the chance to see high quality rugby. We are confident the Southbridge event will be another sell-out.

The Highlanders beat the Crusaders 42-26 in Waimumu in February. Tickets will go on sale in November. The Crusaders are scheduled to play the Blues in Auckland on February 16 in the opening round of Super Rugby. The Chiefs will host the Highlanders in Hamilton on February 15.