A game in Fiji was not what the Highlanders wanted to do, but the side was left with little option after two of its traditional pre-season opponents decided to play overseas.
The Highlanders are heading to Fiji to play a Suva President's XV at Lautoka on January 30, in a warm-up game for its Super 14 campaign which starts on February 13.
Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid said the franchise was forced to look around for games after both the Blues and the Crusaders decided, unbeknown to Highlanders management, to play warm-up games overseas, and bypass their traditional fixtures against the southern franchise.
"Clearly, it is not what we want to be doing. Historically, we have played against the Blues and the Crusaders but they went ahead and organised trips to Australia, and left us with no games," Reid said.
"So the trip to Fiji became the only viable option. It's not perfect but it is better than not playing."
Though he declined to say how much the trip was costing he said it had been budgeted for, and would not be any greater than flying to Auckland to play the Blues.
In warm-up matches last year, the Highlanders played the Blues in Auckland and the Crusaders in Timaru.
Complicating matters was the fact the Highlanders play the Crusaders in Christchurch in the first round of the Super 14, followed by a match against the Blues in Dunedin the following week.
A squad of 26 would travel to Fiji.
Reid said the bonus of playing in the Pacific Islands was it would be hot and players could get used to the sweltering weather.
The Highlanders would spend three weeks in Africa in late February-early March, where conditions were bound to be hot.
The side may play an internal trial after it returns from Fiji but that may depend on injuries and whether coach Glenn Moore feels another hit-out is required.
How strong an opponent the Fiji side will be is debatable, as most Fijian internationals play overseas, but the Highlanders appear to have little option.
The Highlanders play the Chiefs in their first warm-up match at Carisbrook on January 23.
