Trans-Tasman's Super draw revealed
Brisbane could host every Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby team over one weekend in a Trans-Tasman Super Round next year.
The draw for the combined 10-team competition, to be played after both countries contest their respective domestic competitions, was released on Monday.
A five-round fixture from May 14 will culminate in a June 19 final, while all sides will play games in one location over one weekend – Friday and Saturday, May 28-29.
The location is yet to be announced although Brisbane, which has held the NRL’s equivalent initiative in recent years, is free of Rugby League action on those dates.
Rugby Australia boss Rob Clarke said a host selection process for the Super Round will begin shortly.
Regardless, all teams will play at least two home games and two away games, with all 26 matches available live on Stan and one per round shown on the Nine Network.
“The confirmation of the draw is another step in the right direction for our game and it’s exciting to see all the pieces come together,” Clarke said.
“It’s a brand-new competition which will generate renewed excitement and re-ignite many historic rivalries.
“The Super Round is a fantastic and innovative addition; we will shortly be launching a host selection process and I have no doubt it will become one of the hottest tickets in town.”
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Draw (all kick-off times ar NZ time)
Round One
Highlanders v Reds, Friday 14 May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 7:05pm
Waratahs v Hurricanes, Friday 14 May, TBC, 9:45pm
Crusaders v Brumbies, Saturday 15 May, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 7:05pm
Rebels v Blues, Saturday 15 May, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 9:45pm
Force v Chiefs, Saturday 15 May, HBF Park, Perth, 11:55pm
Round Two
Hurricanes v Rebels, Friday 21 May, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 7:05pm
Force v Highlanders, Friday 21 May, HBF Park, Perth, 9:45pm
Blues v Waratahs, Saturday 22 May, Eden Park, Auckland, 4:35pm
Chiefs v Brumbies, Saturday 22 May, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 7:05pm
Reds v Crusaders, Saturday 22 May, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 9:45pm
Round Three – Super Round**
Brumbies v Blues
Hurricanes v Force
Rebels v Highlanders
Reds v Chiefs
Waratahs v Crusaders
Round Four
Crusaders v Force, Friday 4 June, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 7:05pm
Reds v Blues, Friday 4 June, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 9:45pm
Chiefs v Rebels, Saturday 5 June, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 4:35pm
Highlanders v Waratahs, Saturday 5 June, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 7:05pm
Brumbies v Hurricanes, Saturday 5 June, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 9:45pm
Round Five
Hurricanes v Reds, Friday 11 June, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 7:05pm
Brumbies v Highlanders, Friday 11 June, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 9:45pm
Rebels v Crusaders, Saturday 12 June, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 4:35pm
Blues v Force, Saturday 12 June, Eden Park, Auckland, 7:05pm
Waratahs v Chiefs, Saturday 12 June, TBC, 9:45pm
Final
Saturday, 19 June
