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The organization has a shortlist of four potential franchises, which includes an Auckland or Wellington-based Pasifika team, Fijian Drua, Australia’s Western Force, and a Bay of Plenty-based South China Lions team, which may also play in Shanghai. or Hong Kong.
NZ Rugby President Brent Impey says: “There has been a lot of speculation surrounding our interest in including a Pasifika team in Super Rugby and we are still committed to achieving this at some point, but the board believes that we must achieve it. Right. . “
Australia has also been invited to join a team starting in 2022, but has so far chosen not to submit an expression of interest.
NZ Rugby will make a decision by November 30 on which teams will join Super Rugby Aotearoa from 2022.
“After the success of the 2020 competition, it really became a no-brainer that we would do something similar again,” says Impey.
The renewed competition was widely credited with bringing Super Rugby to life, producing some classic matches in front of packed stadiums across the country.
The afternoon start times will be retained, while other “innovations for the fans” will also be added, confirms Impey.
