Super Rugby will be played in Samoa for the first time after the announcement of a historic fixture which it is hoped will aid the development of the game in the region.
The Auckland Blues and the Queensland Reds will head to the pacific island in a bid to develop the game further in the region.
Speaking at the announcement of the fixture Blues's CEO Michael Redman said: "The Investec Super Rugby draw this season threw up a unique situation with a home game scheduled only five days before our match against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park.
#Blues CEO Michael Redman announcing the Investec Super Rugby Blues game in Samoa 🇼🇸 pic.twitter.com/hM1tyAlaIc
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) January 29, 2017
"When we assessed all of our options within our region, taking this game to Samoa became an obvious choice. Our Blues region is home to around 150,000 proud Samoans and we have 15 players in our team with Samoan heritage, along with our head coach Tana Umaga."
Blue's coach and former All Black captain Tana Umaga said: "As someone with Samoa heritage, I am very proud to be part of the first Super Rugby match played in Samoa and of course a number of our team have family members living there.
"We are honoured to play there, and will be a unique experience. At the same time it will be important to also perform. This will be our eighth game in a row and our final Super Rugby game before our bye and the international window."
The game will be played on Friday 2nd June, five days before the Blues welcome the British and Irish Lions to Eden Park.
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