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Report: The NZR's three draft options for new Super Rugby format

(Photo by Rob Jefferies/Getty Images)

Fresh reports emerged that New Zealand Rugby has drafted three options for a new trans-Tasman competition to replace Super Rugby in 2021.

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According to 1News, New Zealand Rugby has revealed their desire to form an eight or 10-team competition with the season pencilled to start in late February or early March and conclude with a June 19 final.

The three drafted option will include Australian teams and a Pacific Island side.

The Union is adamant about having all their five Super Rugby franchises involved, with two spots available for the Australian and one for the Pacific Island side in the proposed eight-team tournament.

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However, the eight-team competition is indeed the proposal that has resulted in a very public spat between NZ Rugby and Rugby Australia.

On Friday, RA chairman Hamish McLennan expressed his resentment over the idea and it was reported that Australia are working on a plan B competition without New Zealand, an eight-team competition featuring all five Australian professional teams, as well as teams from Fiji, Argentina and Japan’s Sunwolves.

Meanwhile, the report in 1News stated that NZ Rugby’s two 10-team competition proposals are set to consist of the five New Zealand sides, four Australian sides and one Pacific Island representative.

One of those options will see each team play four teams twice and five teams once, the second would reverse that order, with each team pWith Super Rugby Aotearoa concluding in just three weeks, the NZ Rugby urgently need to find a solution that will make its current private investors and his trans-Tasman brothers happy.

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1News added that the Investor representatives are insisting upon more details regarding the competition entity, while some are also baulking at the requirement to greatly increase their capital commitment.

New Zealand Rugby and club representatives are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the new format and the renewal of licences.

Purposed Competition structures 2021:

Option 1: 8 Teams

Play all teams home and away.
15-week regular season
Semifinals + Final
TOTAL GAMES: 59
*TEAMS: Five NZ, two Australia and one Pacific Island

Option 2: 10 Teams

Play 4 teams twice, 5 teams once
14-week regular season
Semifinals + Final
TOTAL GAMES: 68
*TEAMS: Five NZ, four Australia and one Pacific Island

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Option 3: 10 Teams

Play 5 teams twice, 4 teams once
15-week regular season
Semifinals + Final
TOTAL GAMES: 73
*TEAMS: Five NZ, four Australia and one Pacific Island

 

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R
RedWarrior 31 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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