The 2017 Super Rugby pre-season is beginning to take shape, as teams announce their trial dates for the new year.
While the Brisbane Global tens will form the main part of that, clubs are using the common destination to plan their full-length trials.
NSW was first out of the blocks with the Waratahs confirming preseason games in October, taking on the Brumbies at Mudgee and the Highlanders at Brookvale Oval on either side of the Tens.
The Rebels and Force are taking full advantage of being on the same coast for a rare trial on the Gold Coast, in the week ahead of the Tens.
Melbourne will be sticking around after the tournament for a Valentine’s Day trial match against the Reds at Ballymore, nine days out from the first 2017 fixture, between the Rebels and Blues on February 23.
All 10 Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby franchises will be lining up at the Tens, though it’s unclear exactly which players will feature, along with international sides Toulon, Panasonic, Samoa, the Chiefs and the Blues.
Super Rugby trials
Saturday February 4 - NSW Waratahs vs ACT Brumbies, Glen Willow Sports Stadium, Mudgee
Monday February 6 - Melbourne Rebels vs Western Force, Bond University, Gold Coast
Saturday February 11 - Sunday February 12 - Brisbane Global Tens
Tuesday February 14 - Queensland Reds vs Melbourne Rebels, Ballymore, 6:30pm AEST
Thursday February 16 - NSW Waratahs vs Highlanders, Brookvale Oval
