Crusaders Heading to Methven for Highlanders Pre Season Clash

The Crusaders will face the Highlanders in a pre-season showdown in Methven on Friday 16 February, and we can’t wait to take the field in front of some of our biggest fans.

It’s you who make us stronger. It’s you who make us who we are.

Fresh from their Northern Tour fixtures versus Munster (Sunday 4 February) and Bristol Bears (Saturday 10 February), the boys will be back on Te Waipounamu and ready to climb into the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Highlanders pre-season game will be exactly a week before we travel to Hamilton for our Round 1 away clash versus the Chiefs on Friday 23 February.

Pre-season kick off will be 4pm Friday 16 February at Methven Rugby Club, who are kindly hosting and running the event.

Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said the South Island derby will be a “well-timed test of our team dynamic and ability leading into what will be a massive Round 1 challenge versus the Chiefs”.

“The Highlanders have been adversaries of ours for generations and we have great respect for them and the regions they represent,” Penney said.

“We’re looking forward to what will no doubt be a fantastic outing in Methven, and a great opportunity to connect with our people outside of the immediate Christchurch area.”

Methven Rugby Club are hosting the event. GA tickets for $15 and tickets are also on the door with under-15s free. Expect food, activities and a great opportunity for the community to turn out and support the boys.