Super Rugby Aotearoa: Transtasman Super Rugby to return next year

Rugby fans will see the return of the transtasman Super Rugby matchups next year with a six-week competition to be announced next week.

As Liam Napier of the New Zealand Herald first reported last week, the 10 franchises from New Zealand and Australia will meet after their own competitions.

According to the Sydney morning herald, the competition will be officially announced next week.

The five Super Rugby franchises from New Zealand and five from Australia, including the Force, will each meet once before a final between the top two teams in the competition.

As reported by the New Zealand Herald Last week, matches will begin in May after the 2021 Aotearoa Super Rugby competition that was revealed earlier this week.

It means New Zealand franchises could play up to 14 games in 2021, if they reach two finals, with seven home games if a transtasman bubble opens by May.

Rugby Australia’s impending streaming deal is the final piece of next year’s puzzle, with reports suggesting they are close to reaching a $ 30 million, three-year deal with Channel Nine.

Super Rugby New Zealand 2021

The schedule for the second installment of Super Rugby Aotearoa was announced on Tuesday, 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 the opening week break.

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 Rugby Professional Rugby & Performance General Manager Chris Lendrum said next year’s competition will build on the foundation set by the 2020 tournament.

“We saw how exciting this home / away format was … the 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 fantastic 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.”

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

NZ Rugby is also working closely with Rugby Australia on transtasman matches between the respective Super Rugby teams, with further details to be revealed 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, 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 at 7.05 pm

Blues vs Crusaders, Auckland: Sunday, March 21 at 3:15 p.m.

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 at 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, 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