Fans could be back watching Super Rugby in the flesh by as early as June 21, if the franchises get their way.
Newshub has learned all five New Zealand teams are feverishly planning to open their stadiums at the first opportunity, with the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country still just one.
While the gates remain closed at OrangeTheory Stadium, the Crusaders are hopeful by the time they play their first Super Rugby Aotearoa game, the eerie silence will be replaced by boisterous fans.
"For us, our first home game is on the 28th [June], so we're planning on having crowds at that game," CEO Colin Mainsbridge told Newshub.
Mainsbridge is planning several scenarios to enable fans to attend matches, although adamant he's not getting too far ahead of himself.
Plans include opening the stadium up in sections, restricting catering, and preparing for a full house and business as usual.
If the country moves to Alert Level One, there will be no restrictions on crowds, but even if that doesn't happen, Mansbridge remains optimistic
"We've already had indications that groups up to 100 in a very well managed situation would be allowed."
It's a feeling shared by fellow New Zealand franchises.
"I think it'll be unreal if they can get some fans," Hurricanes assistant coach Corey Jones noted.
The Hurricanes are desperate to open Sky Stadium to their faithful.
CEO Avan Lee told Newshub while they're not sure when fans will be allowed in, they need to be ready.
Former All Black Jane knows first hand how much of a role they play.
"When I used to play, having the crowd packed in Wellington was unreal, hearing them scream, so ideally we'd like to get the crowd back," Jane said.
Mainsbridge said not planning for the prospect of fans attending games would be foolish, given New Zealand's rapid improvement since COVID-19 lockdown in March.
