10 Aug 2011

Rugby clubs say Crusaders need a home

7:24 am on 10 August 2011

Grassroots rugby clubs in Christchurch say the Crusaders must have a playing ground they can call their own for the next season.

Christchurch City Council announced on Tuesday the earthquake damage to AMI Stadium is too great to house the team in 2012 and the venue's future beyond that is also uncertain.

Burnside Rugby Club general manager Ross Dixon says the ability to watch the Crusaders play in person helps recruit and encourage young players.

Sydenham Rugby Club captain Brent Goldsmid, says some of its members come from neighbourhoods that have extensive quake damage and the club itself lost its major playing ground.

He says watching the Crusaders in their hometown is part of a longed-for return to normality.

Canterbury Rugby Union says a number of sites with the potential to house Crusader games in Christchurch are under consideration.