New Zealand gears up for 1st rugby match with spectators post lockdown

New Zealand will host the inaugural match of the Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa competition on June 13 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

This decision comes as the New Zealand government confirmed that the country will proceed to Alert Level 1, lifting all restrictions and allowing the first major sporting event with a live mass audience at the stadiums in the country, a statement said.

Pulse Energy Highlanders CEO, Roger Clark, said he is delighted that level 1 has arrived in time for crowds to attend their first home game.

"No one can ever underestimate the sacrifices New Zealanders have made to allow this special event to take place. In many ways the staging of this game in front of a crowd represents our country's success in fighting the pandemic, and while we appreciate there is still some work to do, it's certainly a good time to celebrate what we have achieved so far.

"Like any significant achievement celebrating with your friends is always better and we expect a lot of people will be very keen to enjoy this special moment together."

Forsyth Barr Stadium will be the centre of the rugby world on Saturday night and an expected global audience in the millions will tune in to see the return of rugby in front of a live audience.

( With inputs from IANS )