SHARKS TO FACE CRUSDADERS AT TWICKENHAM

( More info to buy tickets for Sharks vs Crusaders Rugby game @ Twickeham 27 March 2011, to follow. )

SUPER 15 Rugby News Update: The Sharks, current log leaders, will face the Christchurch-based Crusaders in a Super 15 Rugby match at Twickenham on March 27 2011. The (RFU) in England initially turned down a request from the Crusaders to play in London, due to a clash with a domestic rugby game, after the New Zealand team's stadium was damaged during an earthquake last month.

However, according to the Press Association, the RFU has agreed for the two sides to play the game at Twickenham a day later than originally scheduled. "It's fantastic news that we were able to find a date that would enable us to host the game as the centrepiece of a weekend of fundraising for the people of Christchurch," an RFU spokesman told the English news agency.

"Having some of the southern hemisphere's best players on display at Twickenham will be a treat for all English-based fans of the Super 15 Rugby."  "It is great to see the rugby family pull together for such a worthy cause and we would like to thank all our stakeholders for their flexibility and support in making this happen."

The Crusaders have played their last two games of the competition in Nelson, New Zealand. Twickenham, a neutral venue for the match against the Sharks, would be the first stadium outside the three Sanzar countries -- South Africa, New Zealand and Australia -- to stage a Super Rugby game.

RFU spokesman Peter Thomas told New Zealand's Radio Live they expected a large turnout for the match.

"We know we've got 900 000 South Africans in the London metropolitan area, 600 000 Australians and a quarter of a million Kiwis, so we're hoping they'll come out for it," Thomas said. Sapa /wb