More than 20,000 fans attend rugby's return in virus-free New Zealand - in pictures

The country declared itself free of Covid-19 and lifted restrictions on mass gatherings.

A Highlanders supporter waves a flag during the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and Chiefs on Saturday in Dunedin, New Zealand. The country has been declared Covid-19 free. Getty

Highlanders supporters during the Super Rugby match against Chiefs in Dunedin. Getty

More than 20,000 supporters watched the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and Chiefs in Dunedin. Getty

Marino Mikaele Tu'u of the Highlanders is tackled by Bradley Slater of the Chiefs during the Super Rugby match in Dunedin. Getty

Highlanders supporters in Dunedin on Saturday. Getty

Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Getty

Lachlan Boshier of the Chiefs warms up before the match against Chiefs at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Getty

Finance minister Grant Robertson at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday. Getty

More than 20,000 fans witnessed the Otago Highlanders edge a 28-27 win against the Waikato Chiefs on Saturday as New Zealand welcomed the return of live sport after the coronavirus.

The highly anticipated fixture did not disappoint as Bryn Gatland's last-gasp drop goal settled a nail-biter in Dunedin.

Gatland scored the winning points in the 79th minute, denying the Chiefs after they had snatched the lead with their own drop goal just a minute earlier.

The Super Rugby game was played in a festival atmosphere at the Forsyth Barr Stadium just six days after New Zealand declared itself free of Covid-19 and lifted restrictions on mass gatherings.

"Actually being able to watch a rugby game after quarantine, we've come a long way since COVID. I think New Zealand's doing pretty good," a fan told AFP.

Gatland was only brought on to the bench for the Highlanders after Josh Ioane pulled out with a groin strain, and came on for his game-winning cameo near the end.

In a tense finish, Damian McKenzie's drop goal put the Chiefs ahead, only for Gatland to settle the contest with his long-distance reply from nearly 40 metres.

"I never imagined it would be like that," Highlanders captain Ash Dixon said.