As part of the new TV deal announced in Australia for Super Rugby, in a first for rugby fans, a game will be replayed in full, on free-to-air television, via Network Ten on Sunday mornings.
Details of which matches will be shown for the first eight rounds have been announced, and are below.
It has also been announced that the game each week will be broadcast from 8am to 10am. Details for the remaining games, from Round 9 through to the end of the season will be announced at a later date by Network Ten and the ARU.
The Waratahs open the season on free-to-air against the Reds, before the Brumbies take on the Waratahs. Interestingly, both of their matches, played in the first eight weeks of the season will be broadcast on Network Ten.
Four consecutive trans-Tasman clashes will be broadcast as the replay between Round 4 and Round 7.
The Waratahs and Brumbies have fared best out of the Australian teams, with four out of their eight games being broadcast on Network Ten, two of which are against each other.
The Reds have two of their games broadcast, while the Force and Rebels will be forced to settle for one game apiece.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said the increased free-to-air presence was critical for the game.
“Having a presence on free-to-air television is a huge step forward for the Asteron Life Super Rugby competition and we are privileged to have a great partner in Network Ten.”
“Having a full replay of one of the blockbuster matches of the round on Network Ten each Sunday morning will give more Australian viewers a taste of the best provincial rugby competition in the world, and once they’ve sampled the action there’s no doubt they’ll keep coming back for more.”
Network Ten has also committed to showing full replays of any final matches featuring the Australian teams.
Round 1 Sun 28 Feb Waratahs v Reds
Round 2 Sun 6 Mar Brumbies v Waratahs
Round 3 Sun 13 Mar Force v Brumbies
Round 4 Sun 20 Mar Waratahs v Highlanders
Round 5 Sun 27 Mar Rebels v Highlanders
Round 6 Sun 3 Apr Brumbies v Chiefs
Round 7 Sun 10 Apr Reds v Highlanders
Round 8 Sun 17 Apr Waratahs v Brumbies