Football is Coming Home - to Christchurch!

The New Zealand Rugby Union is set to announce that the All Blacks will play Ireland at Rugby League Park in Addington, Christchurch next June, marking the return of the All Blacks to the quake-ravaged city since 2010.





 

With AMI Stadium set to be torn down due to the damage and its location in the quake vulnerable east, Rugby League Park could now be Christchurch's new home of rugby for a wee while yet with the Crusaders set to play most of their home games there.

Artist's impression of revamped Rugby League Park, Christchurch

The All Blacks have announced their schedule for the 2012 Southern Hemisphere international season.

The competition formerly known as the Tri Nations will now be known as the Rugby Championship following the inclusion of Argentina next year - that means we could still have more possible expansion in the future? 

If you didn't know already, the Super rugby season will break in June for 3 weeks for the international friendlies. Next year, the All Blacks will play Ireland in 3 tests for the first time ever. 

So here it is:

June 9, Ireland, Eden Park, Auckland

June 16, Ireland, Rugby League Park, Christchurch

June 23, Ireland, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Rugby Championship

Aug 18, Australia, ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Aug 25, Australia, Eden Park, Auckland

Sep 8, Argentina, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Sep 15, South Africa, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Sep 29, Argentina, TBC

Oct 6, South Africa, TBC

Plus potential Bledisloe Cup decider -
Oct 20, Australia, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane