The annual Black Clash summer showpiece has been confirmed to return to Christchurch on January 20.
Team Rugby and Team Cricket will lock horns yet again in the Twenty20 showdown at Hagley Oval in a contest that will break the two-win apiece deadlock.
Team Rugby currently hold bragging rights, after they chased down 204 runs to beat Team Cricket at Tauranga's Bay Oval back in January- the first time the event had been held outside of the Garden City.
All Blacks wing Will Jordan and former All Blacks captain Kieran Read were the stars that day for Team Rugby, and will be back to anchor the batting line-up, while coaching greats Sir Graham Henry and Scott Robertson will also return as the brains trust.
After their shock defeat, Team Cricket have been quick to bolster their ranks by calling in former Blackcaps fast bowler Chris Martin.
Duco Events director Carlena Limmer says the event has proven to be "one of the hottest tickets of the summer".
"It always sells out and continues to smash TV ratings records," said Limmer. "It has become an iconic event that delivers true sportainment, engaging fans from across the sporting spectrum, and we are thrilled to be returning the event to Christchurch, where the Black Clash was born."
The rest of the team line-ups will be confirmed closer to the game. Tickets are on sale now.
