Super Rugby Aotearoa: Three arrested after pitch invasions at Highlanders v Chiefs Dunedin game

A streaker runs onto the field during the round 1 Super Rugby Aotearoa match between the Highlanders and Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

Three men have been charged with offensive behaviour after pitch invasions at last night's Super Rugby Aotearoa match in Dunedin.

They were arrested at the rugby match between the Highlanders and the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The men had run on to the field, a police spokeswoman said.

One removed his clothing and streaked across the field.

The spokeswoman said the men would appear in court this week and they had been trespassed from the stadium.

A crowd of more than 20,000 pressed into the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin to watch the Highlanders beat the Hamilton-based Chiefs 28-27 in a match which had a thrilling finish.

The result wasn't as significant as what the match represented though — a country emerging from the throes of a global pandemic, zero active Covid-19 cases allowing it to host a full house of sport-starved fans.

NZ journalist Hamish McNeilly captured the scenes of jubilation — and of a pitch invader being flattened by security — as normality resumed.

Scenes pic.twitter.com/N8C87Qt2IF

— hamish mcneilly (@southernscoop) June 13, 2020

Streaker! Kind of... #HIGvCHI pic.twitter.com/2Tdvs9VcKe

— hamish mcneilly (@southernscoop) June 13, 2020