Farmlands Cup gets a new date

SUPER RUGBY AOTEAROA PRE-SEASON: Temuka will host the annual Farmlands Cup encounter between the Crusaders and Highlanders on February 12.

While the host for the annual Farmlands Cup match was announced in September, the date for this highly anticipated fixture was only confirmed this week.

The Farmlands Cup will be the first hit out in the pre-season for the Rugby Aotearoa reigning champions, the Crusaders, and fierce southern rivals, the Highlanders.

With COVID-19 sending uncertainty through New Zealand rugby, Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge is pleased that the 2021 season has now been confirmed.

"The draw for Super Rugby Aotearoa has been eagerly-anticipated, and now that our 2021 fixtures are locked in, we can also confirm our pre-season dates.

"The Farmlands Cup is so much more than preparation for the season ahead.

"It's where we connect with people in our region we wouldn't normally get to see and bring some of Super Rugby's biggest stars to the local communities they represent," Mansbridge said.

Current the Crusaders will be looking to tuck away the win, while the Highlanders rally their best men to front up to the challenge.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark is looking forward to the re-match after the 2020 game in Wanaka.

"Temuka is a passionate rugby community with loyal fans for both the Highlanders and the Crusaders. We look forward to playing a match we know will have great support in the lead up to the start of the 2021 Super season."