Crusaders’ Super Rugby clash with Highlanders called off in wake of Christchurch terror attacks

The Highlanders v Crusaders Super Rugby match has been called off as the fallout from Friday’s shocking terror attacks continues to rock New Zealand.

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Super Rugby powerhouse the Crusaders have cancelled Saturday’s clash with the Highlanders as the city of Christchurch deals with the fallout from Friday’s devastating terror attacks.

The undefeated Crusaders had been due to face the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday, but the match was called off in the wake of the shocking mosque shooting which has claimed the lives of 49 people.

The Chiefs and Hurricanes come together for a moments silence prior to the start of their Super Rugby match. Picture: Getty

The decision was not taken lightly, according to New Zealand Rugby’s Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass.

“After consulting widely with both teams and key stakeholders, New Zealand Rugby has decided to cancel this evening’s match,” he said.

“Advice from police and venue management was that the fixture could go ahead, however, with strong agreement from both teams we have made the final call not to proceed as a mark of respect for the events that have occurred in Christchurch.”

Crusaders CEO Colin Mainsbridge said the attacks had left all at the club ‘feeling stunned’.

“Yesterday’s horrific attacks have left us all feeling stunned,” Mainsbridge said.

“All other issues and considerations pale in significance. We will now regroup and make arrangements for the team to return home as soon as possible to be back in their community and with their families.”

Armed police watch on as members of the Bangladesh cricket team check into Christchurch Airport. Picture: AFP

It is the latest event to be cancelled as a result of the attacks, with the third and final cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh quickly scuppered after the Bangladesh team narrowly avoided being caught up in the shooting.

The team were on a bus that was pulling up to the Al Noor mosque near Hagley Oval for Friday prayers when the shooting began but none of the players were inside and all were safe, the New Zealand and Bangladesh cricket boards said. Mario Villavarayen, the team’s strength and conditioning coach, said it had been a close call.

“They were on the bus, which was just pulling up to the mosque when the shooting begun,” Villavarayen told Reuters via Twitter.

“They are at the ground, they are shaken but good.”

Fans will be able to watch the Warriors play Canterbury in round one for free. Picture: Getty

Meanwhile, the Warriors will offer free entry to their round one NRL clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday in response to the attack.

”We are all devastated and in shock about what happened in Christchurch yesterday,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

“New Zealand is hurting. We are New Zealand’s team in the NRL and we want the public to join us this evening to acknowledge collectively those who have been affected by the heinous act in our country.

“We want the public to come and feel safe at Mt Smart Stadium.”