Taiyo Ando of the Sunwolves during the Super Rugby match between the Sharks and Sunwolves this year.

The Highlanders will play Japanese team the Sunwolves in Invercargill during the 2017 Super Rugby season.

Invercargill City Council have a partnership with the Highlanders to play at least one game in Invercargill each season.

The Highlanders-Sunwolves game will be played at Rugby Park in Invercargill on April 22 with the kick-off time of 5.15pm.

The remaining six home games against the Chiefs, Crusaders, Rebels, Blues, Stormers, Waratahs and Reds will be played in Dunedin kicking off at 7.35pm.

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Invercargill won't be a new venue for some of the Sunwolves with two members of their management team very familiar with the southern city.

Southlander Simon Jones is the head strength and conditioning coach for the Sunwolves. He previously worked with the Stags and Southern Steel.

While Sunwolves assistant coach Ben Herring played for both the Southland Stags and Highlanders during his rugby career.

Former Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is also expected to travel with the team when they return to New Zealand in 2017.

Highlanders general manager Roger Clark was pleased they were able to continue their relationship with Invercargill.

"It is important for us as a club to recognise the great support we get from Southland, especially Invercargill, and with help from the Invercargill City Council, we are able to consistently bring great Super Rugby games to them.

"We can't wait to play the Sunwolves at Rugby Park Stadium next year and the early kick-off time should make it easier for those traveling from a little further."

Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt said the Sunwolves was a good fit.

"We are delighted to have the Sunwolves come and play in our city, Invercargill has a strong Japanese connection with the longstanding relationship with sister city Kumagaya (Japan) and we know we will get a fantastic crowd along to both support the Highlanders and welcome the Sunwolves. it's going to be a great game."