NZ Cricket ready for rugby clash (3 Jul 1998)

3 July 1998

NZ Cricket ready for rugby clash

The Christchurch Press

New Zealand Cricket will not back down from playing cricket tests against South Africa at dual purpose grounds in March when the Super 12 rugby season is up and running.

NZC chief executive Chris Doig said November to March was regarded as the cricket season and that was being firmly adhered to, despite encroaching rugby dates.

A potential clash has loomed in March with South Africa scheduled to play New Zealand in test matches at Auckland's Eden Park and Christchurch's Jade Stadium.

Jade Stadium is scheduled to host the second test from March 11-15, which has concerned Canterbury rugby officials, although next season's Super 12 draw has yet to be finalised.

Doig said he had notified his New Zealand Rugby Union counterpart David Moffett of cricket's draft draw 18 months ago.

"I am confident there is enough goodwill between us to make sure our codes can co-exist and will be talking to David again," Doig said.

Doig said the situation in Christchurch was different to Auckland. At Eden Park a governance act enables cricket to have first rights to the ground until the end of March.

Source :: The Canterbury Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)