The draw for the upcoming ten-week domestic Super Rugby competition has been confirmed, with each of the five participating sides to play each other twice.
The Brumbies, Rebels, Reds, Waratahs and returning Western Force will resume hostilities on Friday, July 3 following the cancellation of this year’s Super Rugby tournament. Across the ditch, New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa competition kicks off on Saturday.
Matches will take place on Friday and Saturday nights each week, kicking off at 7:05pm (AEST) on Fridays and 7:15pn on Saturdays.
Games will be held at each club’s usual home ground – without crowds – although the Waratahs are yet to confirm their venue for home games, while one Force home game will have to played outside of WA due to the state’s border restrictions.
You can view the full Super Rugby AU and Aotearoa draws here.
Rugby Australia CEO Rob Clarke said today’s announcement was an “exciting day for Rugby fans/”
“One of the main features of the draw is the consistent Friday and Saturday night prime time viewing slots … which rugby fans can set their watches to for the next 12 weeks.
“There will be no need to set the alarms to get up and watch your team in the middle of the night,” he said.
Clarke also said he was “looking forward to welcoming back the Western Force and seeing them take on their Australian rivals once again. We know there is a lot of excitement in the west and we cannot wait to see them in action.
“We know our teams will be desperate to get their hands on the silverware and players will be out to put their best foot forward for Wallabies selection at the end of the season,” he said.
Ex force fan
Guest
The view of RA towards WA rugby community have not changed despite the changes in personnel. The requirement that the Force needs to pay to play in a domestic competition when others are paid to play and the lopsided draw are evidence of this. The injustices of the past continue in the present. Despite being the third largest playing state WA is not represented at Board level, the amateur arm of WA rugby is technically bankruptcy a direct result from the axing of the Force and RA doesn’t believe that they have any obligation to fix the problems they created. The injustices to the WA rugby community continue into the present. Until RA step up to fix the mess they made and make the required changes in governance, RA constitution etc, I will continue to point out RA’s hypocrisy.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Not as bad as the other two. But up there
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
But it's a known fact that all rugby talent in the country resides in NSW Shurte Shield :-)
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
You missed the 40 -11 thumping by the Force in 2017.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
No they’re not the 2017 Force. The East Coast teams have poached one and half entire teams from the Force since 2017 (and the entire coaching team). Still some good players here though.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Thanks Jacko.
Jacko
Guest
You are not a SR team...That was a large injustice.....but that is done and dusted and now you have an opportunity to enjoy watching your team take on the Aus SR teams so try to enjoy the present and the future rather than letting history take the enjoyment away....You cant change history but dont let it ruin the present...I hope you get a win or two but does that matter?...Its a 1 off for now...Maybe it goes somewhere positive in the future
Jacko
Guest
Juniors were back this week in Brisbane Ken...I have heard they are trying to make the season a few weeks longer for the younger ones to make up for time lost. Usually the younger ones stop a few weeks before the Seniors but they are trying to extend that at the club my Grandsons are at.
Ex force fan
Guest
What I want? For RA to treat the WA rugby community as a community that are no less worthy than those on the Eastern States. Stop looking for ways to screw the Force and their supporters and start behaving like a national governing body. Or am I asking too much?
jameswm
Roar Guru
OK, fair enough. The Tahs v Force games are likely to be line ball though.
piru
Roar Rookie
Why? We lost our last 2 pre-COVID games by a combined margin of 70 points. You could have reminded us of that all lockdown. That would just be revelling in your bad fortune, that's poor form. It's different if my team won.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Why? We lost our last 2 pre-COVID games by a combined margin of 70 points. You could have reminded us of that all lockdown. As a Tahs fan - like Jez, I'll accept the losses if we have young guys learning, improving, and having a go. Our young guys so far have been good and fearless. I mean - how good have Will Harrison, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Bell been for rookies? Let's see how Tizzano, Pat Tafa, Will Harris and Tom Horton go. Sorry off topic there...
piru
Roar Rookie
Well you see, some of us get a bit excited and post before reading properly. In my defence it's been three odd years since I've been able to give Tahs fans some stick
piru
Roar Rookie
Wouldn't be putting the house on that mate
numpty
Roar Rookie
100% hopefully they play at ballymore for a bit of extra atmosphere for the occasion and maybe some retro jerseys or something like that. Bit of a drive for me to attend from Tassie unfortunately so I'll settle for a pub with a fire and a dark ale on tap.
Jacko
Guest
Ex force you have whinged ever since they were bundled out of the comp and now that they are back in for what could be a 1 off year you are still unhappy...What is it you want? Are all sides treated fairly in a comps draw? Its not possible so be happy they are in and enjoy the rugby.
Jacko
Guest
Im hoping we may be allowed to go and watch by then Numpty....Ill be in that for sure...
Jacko
Guest
I think its a pathetic comment....In the SR there would have already been 2-4 matches at Aus time zones anyway so any matches needing to be watched OS were EXTRA games on top of the AUS games anyway.....But who needs to set an alarm for an 11pm or midnight match anyway???? Or maybe he meant he has to set the alarm for the 9am kick-offs in Arg....Rubbish comment...
jameswm
Roar Guru
If the Tahs want to recruit -0 I'd be throwing the cheque book at Rodda, Arnold and Latu . I know the latter 2 are contracted overseas, but players break contracts at times...
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yep I know. Have been there many times!