Highlanders v Crusaders cancelled after Christchurch massacre

The Super Rugby clash between the Highlanders and conference-leading Crusaders has been called off after the Christchurch massacre, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced.

New Zealand was rocked by mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques, which killed at least 49 people and injured another 48 on Friday.

It led to the cancellation of the third test between New Zealand and Bangladesh, who were fortunate to escape unharmed as a majority of the cricket team were inside a bus outside the Al Noor mosque.

Now, Saturday’s rugby union game at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin has been called off.

Tonight’s Highlanders v Crusaders Investec #SuperRugby fixture scheduled to be played at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium has been cancelled.

Head to https://t.co/u9oScyiXph for more information. pic.twitter.com/Y9iMTyBzaH

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 16, 2019

“After consulting widely with both teams and key stakeholders, New Zealand Rugby has decided to cancel this evening’s match,” NZR chief rugby officer Nigel Cass said. 

“Advice from police and venue management was that the fixture could go ahead, however, with strong agreement from both teams we have made the final call not to proceed as a mark of respect for the events that have occurred in Christchurch.”

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mainsbridge said: “Yesterday’s horrific attacks have left us all feeling stunned. All other issues and considerations pale in significance. We will now regroup and make arrangements for the team to return home as soon as possible to be back in their community and with their families.”

While Highlanders CEO Roger Clark added: “This is always the biggest fixture on our match calendar and one which our fans look forward to, but when we think about the massive loss of life and absolute devastation that has been wreaked on people in Christchurch, we feel this is the right decision.”

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