Confirmed: Details of new Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition revealed

Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby have resolved to stage an exciting six-week trans-Tasman tournament next year following their respective domestic Super Rugby competitions.

The trans-Tasman tournament will feature five teams from each country with the Western Force the big winners, the Perth franchise effectively resurrected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Featuring 26 games over six straight weeks, the tournament will kick off on May 14 with the final taking place on June 19.

Why the Pumas pose no threat to the All Blacks | The Breakdown | Healthspan Elite Fan’s Voice

Why the Pumas pose no threat to the All Blacks | The Breakdown | Healthspan Elite Fan’s Voice

Ending months of negotiations, each Australian team will play every New Zealand side in 25 crossover games before the championship decider.

All teams will play two home games and two away games as well as a ‘Super Round’, where all matches played in round three will be played at the one location, over the one weekend.

The final will be played between the top-two placed teams on the combined competition table with the team who finished first to host the decider.

“This is a truly historic day for rugby in the southern hemisphere, with the first-ever Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby competition,” Rugby Australia boss Rob Clarke said.

“This will generate enormous excitement across both countries with some of the best players in the world set to challenge each other after the conclusion of Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Aotearoa.”

Friday’s announcement comes in the same week that RA revealed its new $100-broadcast deal with Stan and Nine.

“The Super Round is also great initiative with one lucky city to host all 10 teams on one weekend in a Super Rugby extravaganza,” Clarke said.

There's not going to be any extended holiday in Australia for these folks. #AllBlackshttps://t.co/951wLRlAFF

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 12, 2020

“I’d like to thank Mark Robinson and his team at New Zealand Rugby for working so closely with us. Bring on 2021.”

New Zealand Rugby chief Mark Robinson said: “Super Rugby Trans-Tasman is a great result for fans on both sides of the Tasman and is testament to the strength of the relationship between New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia.

“It’s been a testing time for rugby in both countries, but also a chance to re-imagine the game in our part of the world for 2021.”

2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman draw:

Round one, May 14-15

Crusaders v Brumbies

Western Force v Chiefs

Melbourne Rebels v Blues

Highlanders v Queensland Reds

NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes

Round two, May 21-22

Chiefs v Brumbies

Western Force v Highlanders

Hurricanes v Melbourne Rebels

Queensland Reds v Crusaders

Blues v NSW Waratahs

Round three – Super Round, May 28-29

Brumbies v Blues

Hurricanes v Western Force

Melbourne Rebels v Highlanders

Queensland Reds v Chiefs

NSW Waratahs v Crusaders

Round four, June 4-5

Brumbies v Hurricanes

Crusaders v Western Force

Chiefs v Melbourne Rebels

Queensland Reds v Blues

Highlanders v NSW Waratahs

Round five, June 11-12

Brumbies v Highlanders

Blues v Western Force

Melbourne Rebels v Crusaders

Hurricanes v Queensland Reds

NSW Waratahs v Chiefs

Final, June 19

*draw subject to change, venues to be decided