Super Rugby Aotearoa: New Zealand Rugby announces schedule for 2021 tournament

Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 will kick off with a classic southern derby in a return to Friday night football.

The schedule for the second installment of the national competition has been announced, with 10 weeks of New Zealand derbies starting on Friday, February 26, with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The first round will end with the Hurricanes entertaining the Blues in Wellington on Saturday, February 27, while the Chiefs enjoy opening week off.

The Waikato franchise will begin its campaign in the second round against the Highlanders in Hamilton.

Auckland rugby fans will have to wait a bit before seeing the action, with the Blues’ first home game at Eden Park in the third round against the Highlanders.

There is a mix of matches spread over the three weekend days, keeping the popular Sunday afternoon matchups that returned in 2020.

The final between the two best teams after 10 weeks will take place on Saturday, May 8, contesting the Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa trophy.

New Zealand Professional Rugby General Manager Chris Lendrum said next year’s competition will build on the foundation that the 2020 tournament laid.

“We saw how exciting this home / away format was … all five teams now know what it takes to compete and win each week. With the All Blacks available for the first round, there will be fireworks from the opening whistle. .

“It is great to have some certainty for fans, players and partners after a year of uncertainty. Confirming the 2021 draw is a significant milestone and positive step for rugby in New Zealand and we are delighted to have our broadcast partner Sky on board as sponsor of naming rights.

“We have listened to the fans and our players and added a final, which we believe will provide an appropriate climax for the competition.”

As a name rights partner, Sky CEO Martin Stewart said Sky was delighted to offer support.

“Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa is a world-class competition with many of the best players in the world and our coverage and analysis should reflect this action on the field. We will seek to bring fans even closer to the action in all aspects in 2021 and we are looking forward to the first game.

With four consecutive titles under their belt, the Crusaders are set to enter the competition as favorites once again.

NZ Rugby is also working closely with Ruby Australia on trans-Tasman matches between the respective Super Rugby teams, with more details to be released shortly.

Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 Schedule:

Round 1

Highlanders vs Crusaders, Dunedin – Friday, February 26, 7.05 pm

Hurricanes vs Blues, Wellington – Saturday February 27 at 7.05 pm

Round 2

Chiefs vs Highlanders, Hamilton – Friday March 5, 7.05 pm

Crusaders v Hurricanes, Christchurch – Saturday March 6 at 7.05 pm

Round 3

Crusaders vs Chiefs, Christchurch – Saturday March 13, 7.05 pm

Blues vs Highlanders, Auckland – Sunday March 14 at 3.35 pm

Round 4

Hurricanes vs Chiefs, Wellington – Saturday March 20, 7.05 pm

Blues vs Crusaders, Auckland: Sunday March 21 at 3:15 PM

Round 5

Highlanders vs Hurricanes, Dunedin – Friday, March 26, 7.05 pm

Chiefs vs Blues, Hamilton – Saturday March 27, 7.05 pm

Round 6 (Easter weekend)

Crusaders vs Highlanders, Christchurch – Friday April 2, 7.05 pm

Blues vs Hurricanes, Auckland – Saturday April 3, 7.05 pm

Round 7

Highlanders vs Chiefs, Dunedin – Saturday April 10, 7.05 pm

Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Wellington – Sunday April 11, 3.35 pm

Round 8

Highlanders vs Blues, Dunedin – Friday April 16, 7.05 pm

Chiefs vs Crusaders, Hamilton – Saturday April 17, 7.05 pm

Round 9 (Anzac Weekend)

Chiefs vs Hurricanes, Hamilton – Friday, April 23, 7.05 pm

Crusaders vs Blues, Christchurch – Sunday, April 25 at 3.35 pm

Round 10

Hurricanes vs Highlanders, Wellington – Friday April 30, 7.05 pm

Blues vs Chiefs, Auckland – Saturday May 1, 7.05 pm

Final

Saturday May 8