Rugby League to the rescue for road-weary Crusaders

[Bluebags1908]

Interesting article. This is good news - Crusaders get to play in Christchurch again and Rugby League will get benefits from the venue upgrade. A win-win for all and the community. Will be funny having Rugby Union played at "Rugby League Park" though!

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...e-for-roadweary-crusaders-20110927-1kvj3.html

And there's also this article from NZ:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/rugby/5587306/League-park-Crusaders-new-home

Interesting that the General Manager Of The Canterbury Rugby League has added his comments in the readers comments section:

Graeme #11 04:56 pm Sep 08 2011

Interesting article, which makes it appear as though things are all done and dusted. They are not!! We have yet to talk to CRU regarding a sub-lease for the grounds and, as Michael has stated, there is a heap of money to be raised by CRU for this project to go ahead. This is still in the "work in progress" domain, not at all certain as you maintain in your article. We are happy to be associated with this as we can see benefits for our game in the long term, and sport in Canterbury in the short term, but we will be endeavouring to future-proof our game during the ensuing negotiations. Graeme Sole General Manager Canterbury Rugby League

 

[Wilson1]

This is what I like. There should not be any heated rivalry between the codes. They came together and got a good solution for both parties.

 

[joshreading]

hmmm... a ground entirely leased by the Canterbury RL might also open the doors for more NRL games.

 

[Parra]

Sounds like a good deal for everyone and the end result will be two upgraded grounds for Christchurch.

Big effort on 2011 for the Crusaders to make the finals with no home games.

 

[flamin]

A noticed this earlier and thought it gives RL a great ground - perhaps for an NRL side one day?

 

[samsonite]

Yeah because this ground was bloody average condition..but definately a windfall for the CRL, glad to see some money being spent,indirectly, on league wouldn't have happened otherwise

 

[Jankuloski]

It's temporary. Means it would have to be rebuilt before a supposed side would get in. That would cost as much money as just putting a team there from scratch. As the article states - it's basically just the ground with good parking options.

Another NZ team, sure, but this is not that helpful.