Highlanders to play in Queenstown

The Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Competition third round match between the Highlanders and Melbourne Rebels will be played at Queenstown’s Sir John Davies Oval on Sunday May 30 2.35pm. The venue, which last hosted the Highlanders in 2010, is one of the most picturesque sporting venues on the planet.

The game has been facilitated by the recent relaxing of quarantine regulations between New Zealand and Australia. The round three fixture was originally part of the all Australian ‘magic round.’

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark is looking forward to hosting the Melbourne-based club in one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist destinations. “We appreciate the pandemic has made it a very tough 12 months for Queenstown,” he said.

“This game provided us with our first real opportunity to assist, in a tangible way, a very important part of our region” Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult is looking forward to the match and the potential visitors it attracts.

“Events will play a crucial part in the district’s COVID-19 recovery. They provide benefits to a large proportion of our community both directly and indirectly, and attract regional and, in this case, trans-Tasman visitors. To be able to offer a great venue for Super Rugby is something we want to build on and welcoming the Highlanders to Queenstown will be a real treat for local fans.”

“Personally, as an avid rugby and Highlanders fan, I’m delighted and cannot wait to be at the game. I congratulate and thank Highlanders’ management for this initiative and hope it is a forerunner for regular games here. I am sure the district will turnout in large numbers, to show their support,” Mayor Boult said.

The Sunday afternoon time slot was chosen to make it easier for families and locals to attend the match.

“Hopefully, Sunday afternoon will mean the least disruption to sporting and other weekend activities in the local area,” Clark said.

“Those from outside the region will be able to make a weekend of it, spend some quality time in Queenstown, and watch a Super Rugby game as well.”

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables have come on board to support the game with a ticketing initiative that will allow all primary and intermediate school children to attend the game for free.

“We’re proud to support the Highlanders vs Rebels game in Queenstown at the end of the month with the Kids Go Free initiative. Queenstown’s had a pretty tough year so we’re thrilled to be able to do this for local families before winter kicks in. We’ll have some giveaways in the kids zone and a visit from our mascots Spike and Shred, who are big Highlanders fans!” NZSki CEO Paul Anderson said.

Tickets for the event will be available from Ticketek outlets from 9.00am Friday 7 May.