Rugby: Highlanders to play Toulon in Hong Kong

Highlanders Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith. Photo by Craig Baxter
Highlanders Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith. Photo by Craig Baxter
The Highlanders will play European Cup holders Toulon in a pre-season game in Hong Kong next year.

The clash between the southern hemisphere champions and the French glamour side will take place on February 6, shortly before the 2016 Super Rugby season begins.

"Obviously it's a significant opportunity and it would be the first time the Highlanders have matched up against a European side," Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said today.

"It's fair to say the coaching group are excited by the prospect. While there are still a number of operational and compliance issues to work through, we do have agreement in principle."

The Highlanders captured their first Super Rugby title last month, beating the Wellington Hurricanes 21-14, while Toulon won their third successive European title with a 24-18 victory over Clermont Auvergne in May.

Plans for similar matches between the southern and northern hemisphere club champions over the last two years have fallen through.

- additional reporting by Reuters 

• More in tomorrow's Otago Daily Times

Read also: Going pro - and loving it and Naholo's broken leg reportedly healed

 

Add a Comment

OUTSTREAM