24 Aug 2011

Canterbury cleared to host daytime ITM Cup final

6:37 am on 24 August 2011

Canterbury's been given dispensation to host the final of rugby's ITM Cup premiership competition as a daytime match, should they finish top of the table after pool play.

The team which finishes top of the round robin competition will host the final, with Canterbury currently leading the premiership competition.

The final is scheduled to be a night game on Saturday week but the New Zealand rugby union will allow Canterbury to host a daytime final, as their temporary home of Rugby Park doesn't have suitable lighting.

The leading teams have nominated alternative venues, if their regular home ground is not available because of World Cup requirements.

If Auckland reaches the final it'll be played in Pukekohe; Waikato can to host it, Bay of Plenty would play in Hamilton and Taranaki in Palmerston North.

Canterbury originally nominated Timaru.

The second tier championship final will also be a night game and is on Friday week.