The Blues' Mark Telea in action against Waratahs. Photo / Photosport
The Blues' Mark Telea in action against Waratahs. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia have announced a trans-Tasman crossover competition in 2021, to follow their respective domestic Super Rugby tournaments.
The tournament will feature an additional 26 games over six straight weeks, kicking off on Friday 14 May next year, with a final on Saturday 19 June 2021.
The competition will feature all 10 Super Rugby teams with each Kiwi team to play each Aussie team in 25 crossover matches before the final.
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.
NZR and RA will announce the process to select the location of the 'Super Round' in due course.
"Super Rugby transtasman 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 reimagine the game in our part of the world for 2021. The result is an exciting and innovative new competition, which will benefit fans, players, broadcasters and Super clubs.
"We all know how special the rivalry between New Zealand and Australia is when it comes to sport and this tournament will add another exciting chapter. The banter between Rob Clarke and I has already begun and I'm sure fans will feel the same."
RA interim chief executive Rob Clarke added: "This is a truly historic day for Rugby in the southern hemisphere, with the first-ever Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby competition.
"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.
"It will be a really exciting new product for our 2021 broadcast partners, Stan and Nine, and I know fans right around the world will be glued to their screens and devices to watch it all.
"The Super Round is also great initiative with one lucky city to host all 10 teams on one weekend in a Super Rugby extravaganza.
"I'd like to thank Mark Robinson and his team at New Zealand Rugby for working so closely with us. Bring on 2021!"
