If they make the final, defending champions Canterbury have been given special dispensation to hold a daytime ITM Cup rugby decider in Christchurch.
New Zealand Rugby Union general manager professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, said today those teams battling for the table top right to host the Premiership final have nominated alternative venues, if their regular home ground is not available due to Rugby World Cup 2011 clearance requirements for venues hosting tournament matches.
The Premiership final will be played on September 3 at 7.35pm, unless Canterbury win the right to host the final, in which case they have an exemption to hold the match at their temporary home ground of Rugby Park with a 2.30pm kick off.
"We asked all our Provincial Unions to nominate an alternative venue to host a night time Final but given the exceptional challenges Canterbury Rugby and Canterbury supporters have had to face this year, we felt it was important to allow them an opportunity to host the event in Christchurch," Sorensen said.
Other teams still in the hunt to host the final, have nominated the following venues as their alternative final venue on September 3 at 7.35pm: Auckland would play at Pukekohe stadium; Waikato at Waikato stadium; Taranaki at Palmerston North stadium; Bay of Plenty at Waikato Stadium.
The details of the Premiership and Championship finals will be confirmed after the last round robin match is played.
