Still some things about CHCH to be confirmed no way will we be allowed to be the first game there. It needs to be finshed early so the Crusaders get to play there before the 18th
Well no, it's a Sports Stadium for Christchurch or the upper South Island, not a rugby ground. Don't think the Crusaders have put one cent into building it.
Like all multi purpose stadiums owned by a Council or some sort of local Trust - they want as many tenants and events as possible to pay the bills. I think Christchurch City Council is the owner or major stakeholders, and there maybe as many football loving councillors as rugby fans.
2026 Super Rugby Pacfic draw has been made. Crusaders play the Fijian Drura in ChCh 3rd April, and then have away games the next 2 weeks (Brisbane & then Perth 18th April) before the centralised Super Round at Te Kaha 24th-26th April.
Could the Fijian Drura be the first 'test event'? Maybe. But all the comms til now have been a mid April stadium completion date
https://super.rugby/superrugby/documents/media-files/2026-super-rugby-pacific-match-schedule/