The Taranaki provincial rugby side will defend the Ranfurly Shield at Yarrow Stadium this season despite its two covered stands being closed due to the earthquake risk.
Photo: RNZ/Robin Martin
The East Stand was shut down in November last year and the West Stand earlier this month.
The Taranaki Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Parkinson said it will use the open seating and terraces at the northern and southern ends of the ground.
Mr Parkinson said these are considered safe and could accommodate up to 14 thousand people.
Sky Television coverage and some stadium operations will still be carried out from the West Stand.
Taranaki's first Ranfurly Shield defence at the stadium will be on Friday, August 24, against Manawatū.
