Crusader Knights to play in PRC 17 February, 2011 Crusaders development team the Crusader Knights will play international teams Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in Christchurch as part of the Pacific Rugby Cup.

It is the first time that development teams have been involved in the competition. Other New Zealand teams involved this year include those from the Hurricanes and Chiefs.

The Crusader Knights will be made up of Crusaders wider training group players, plus those from academies within the Crusaders franchise area and Crusaders rehabilitating from injury.

Crusader Knights head coach Matt Sexton said: “Being involved in the Pacific Rugby Cup is a very exciting prospect. These matches against the three Island nations will be first-class fixtures and will be very hard fought. The main focus is on getting guys match fit and also developing the next Crusaders players. Many of our players will gain valuable experience and exposure from playing in them.”

The Crusader Knights’ first match in the competition is against Fiji at AMI Stadium on Friday, March 4, the curtain-raiser to the Crusaders v Waratahs Investec Super Rugby match. Kick-off is 5.10pm.

The Crusader Knights then play two games at Lincoln University – against Samoa on Wednesday, March 9 and Tonga on Monday, March 14. Both of these matches kick off at 5pm.

Sexton added: “We are sure the Pacific Island community of Christchurch will get behind their teams when they come to Christchurch – I’m sure they’ll be great occasions.”

Tabai Matson and Brent Frew, who are both skills coaches with the Crusaders team, will help Sexton coach the Crusader Knights. 

Story courtesy of oceaniarugby.com.