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Waratahs to play all matches except final at Allianz Stadium from 2016

The Waratahs battle the Reds this weekend for the Carlos Cup. (photo: Ash Knight)
30th January, 2015
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The New South Wales Rugby Union and Waratahs have announced that the Super Rugby franchise will play all their regular season matches, quarter-finals and semi-finals at Allianz Stadium

Absent from the announcement is what would happen if they hosted the Super Rugby final, leaving ANZ Stadium open a final from 2016.

ANZ Stadium have said they believe that if the Super Rugby final were to be hosted by the Waratahs, it would be held at the Olympic venue, and that the negotiations for the stadium strategy for the state were well advanced.

The statement from the Waratahs says the agreement “brings significant financial investment which will invigorate rugby across all levels of the game, right across the state. Not only will this investment help grow the grassroots game; it will help ensure that the NSW Waratahs are best placed to achieve the goal of becoming a sustainable and dominant long-term force in Super Rugby.”

There is no detail provided on how significant the investment is, or what form it takes.

NSWRU Chairman Nick Farr-Jones believes the announcement is a good outcome for the Waratahs and rugby in the state.

“The NSWRU board are extremely pleased with the outcome of this agreement and we are confident that it will provide positive outcomes for rugby right across the state – from grassroots right through to the elite,” Farr-Jones said.

“This is a landmark partnership for the NSWRU, Waratahs Rugby, the Sydney Cricket and Sport Ground Trust, and a positive outcome for everyone who follows rugby union in NSW.

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“NSW Rugby and the NSW Waratahs have a long history of playing at Moore Park, and Allianz Stadium is a real landmark for rugby in this state.

“The future of this precinct is extremely exciting, and we are looking forward to being part of it for many years to come.”

Waratahs Chairman Roger Davis was also positive about the move.

“We are delighted to reach an outcome that will benefit rugby broadly, and ensure that the NSW Waratahs continue with their high level of success on and off the field,” Davis said.

“We have been through a rigorous process to reach this outcome, and we are confident that it will prove to be extremely positive in growing the game, and providing a high quality experience for our fans and members.”

The Waratahs begin their Super Rugby title defence on February 20.

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