Rugby Australia has reached an agreement with their New Zealand counterparts for a new 12-team competition to kick off in February.
The 91-match competition, to be broadcast live and ad-free on Stan Sport, will pit five teams from Australia with five from New Zealand, as well as Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.
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Each team will have seven home matches in the 14-game regular season, which will see them play three teams twice, with a focus on derby matches.
“We’re thrilled to confirm the competition model for next year and beyond and want to thank NZR for their hard work and effort along with Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika for their patience, and the effort that has been put into their proposals,” said Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos.
“This is a game-changer for rugby in the Pacific, and indeed, the rest of the Rugby world. We have seen the brilliant rugby that Fiji play in all formats of the game and their inclusion will make this new competition one of the toughest in the world.”
The Australian contingent will be made up of the NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Melbourne Rebels, ACT Brumbies and Western Force.
The Fijian Drua had previously competed in Australia’s National Rugby Championship, winning the title in 2018.
Fiji Rugby Union will announce where Fijian Drua home matches will be played shortly, while Moana Pasifika will play their home fixtures primarily in New Zealand.
Super Rugby Pacific’s two new entrants will play each other twice in the first two seasons with other examples where teams play twice to be determined by a seeding process based on 2021 results, with an emphasis on local derbies.
Stan acting Chief Executive Officer Martin Kugeler said: “After a fantastic start for rugby on Stan Sport, we are looking forward to showcasing the new Super Rugby competition format.
“We saw interest and viewership of Super Rugby significantly increase this year on Stan Sport and Nine, and we expect this new twelve team competition, with the addition of both Fiji Drua and Moana Pasifika, to resonate well with fans.
“As Australia’s home of rugby, Stan Sport can’t wait to bring this new look Super Rugby competition to fans next year.”
RUPA Chief Executive Justin Harrison said: “It is pleasing to have a confirmed a new format to move into 2022, and to provide certainty for the participants and supporter base.
“Australian and New Zealand teams have a strong history of Pacific heritage representation; the inclusion of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika reflects the strength of the Pacific Island rugby talent participation.
“The addition of the Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua sides are a celebration of our game, its people, and its future.”
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