Chiefs to play Crusaders in Fiji

The Chiefs will take their home match against the Crusaders to Fiji during the expanded 2016 Super Rugby competition.

The Chiefs will play their home Super Rugby match against the Crusaders in Fiji next year.

The two New Zealand sides will meet in Suva on July 1 during round 15 of the expanded competition.

Chiefs boss Andrew Flexman says the move follows extensive work by many parties eager for more top-class rugby in the Pacific Islands.

"We know how much the Pacific Island people love their rugby and this year's Test match between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks was testament to that," he said.

"Fijians have added a huge amount to New Zealand's rugby heritage and it is fitting that we can give something back as well as expose our brand in a new territory."

It will be the second time a New Zealand side has hosted a Super Rugby match overseas.

The Crusaders played South African opponents the Sharks in London in 2011 after the Christchurch earthquake.