The Highlanders are likely to return to Invercargill for a Super 14 match next season.
Rugby Park in Invercargill was overlooked this season in favour of Queenstown, following a successful match in the resort town the previous year.
However, this year's Super 14 clash between the Highlanders and the Force in Queenstown on Easter Saturday attracted only about 8000 fans, down on the previous year's 11,000.
Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid said yesterday it was ‘‘highly likely'' a match would be played in Invercargill, although not necessarily at Queenstown's's expense.
‘‘The draw's not out so we're only throwing ideas around at the moment.
‘‘There are seven games next year. I personally think we should play games around the region when we can. It's highly likely there will be a game there [Invercargill] next year.''
Reid said it was possible both towns could see Super 14 rugby in 2009. Up until this season, Invercargill had always hosted the Higlanders for one match.
A review of this year's Queenstown match had yet to be carried out by Highlanders management.
However, a factor in the disappointing crowd number is thought to have been a clash with the War Birds over Wanaka, which is held every two years.
Reid said until he had carried out a review on the Queenstown match he was reluctant to comment further on the town's involvement in Super 14.
However, it is understood taking Super 14 rugby to Queenstown is a more expensive exercise than hosting matches in Dunedin or Invercargill.
The ground hire at the Queenstown Events Centre is believed to be about $35,000.
