Super Rugby AU draw confirmed for 2021

Wed, Nov 11, 2020, 2:00 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
The 2021 Super Rugby AU season draw has been confirmed with 22 games over 12 action-packed weekends. Photo: Getty Images
The 2021 Super Rugby AU season draw has been confirmed with 22 games over 12 action-packed weekends. Photo: Getty Images

The 2021 Super Rugby AU season draw has been confirmed with 22 games over 12 action-packed weekends, kicking off on 19 February and concluding with the Final on 8 May.

The Final will be hosted by the team that finishes top of the ladder after the 10-round regular season, and they will play the winner of a two-versus-three Qualifying Final in the decider.

All 22 matches in the tournament will be live and on demand, ad-free, through Stan’s new streaming sport package which will launch in 2021.

One match each round, including the Finals Series, will also be simulcast live free-to-air on the Nine Network.

The season will start with a bang on Friday 19 February with a huge doubleheader starting with a clash between two old foes, as the Queensland Reds host the NSW Waratahs at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. The match will be live and on demand, ad-free, through Stan’s new streaming sport package and also simulcast live free-to-air on the Nine Network.

Then, later that night, attention will shift to Australia’s west coast as the Western Force host the 2020 Super Rugby champions, the Brumbies, live, ad-free and on demand on Stan’s new sport package.

From round two, every Friday night fixture will be live, on demand and ad-free on Stan’s new sport package with the extensive coverage.

Every Saturday night fixture from round two will be live, on demand and ad-free on Stan’s new sport package and simulcast live free-to-air on the Nine Network.

Rugby Australia interim Chief Executive, Rob Clarke said: “What a way to start 2021 and our new partnership with Stan and Nine. Our players are raring to go and are really keen to put on a show for fans, with Super Rugby AU to light up living rooms right around the country.

“Super Rugby AU was terrific in 2020 and will get better next year as this next crop of Australian Rugby stars continue to develop, and they are complimented by some genuinely talented international players who have since arrived on our shores.

“The 2021 season promises to be a great one for Australians fans with every game in primetime and with the added support of our new partners, Stan and Nine,” Clarke said.

Stan CEO Mike Sneesby said: “This partnership with Rugby Australia will see Stan launch its live streaming capability in 2021, as we take Australian sports television into a new era.

“Through the combined audience reach and engagement across Nine’s television platforms, we are well positioned to bring Rugby Union to more Australians than ever before,” Sneesby said.

Rugby Australia is also working closely with New Zealand Rugby on a trans-Tasman competition and plans to announce details shortly.

For more information regarding Australian Super Rugby membership for 2021, click here.

Stan’s new streaming sport package will launch in 2021.

2021 Super Rugby Draw*

Round 1

Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs, Friday 19 February, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Western Force v Brumbies, Friday 19 February, HBF Park, Perth

Round 2

Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 26 February, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Brumbies v NSW Waratahs, Saturday 27 February, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Round 3

NSW Waratahs v Western Force, Friday 5 March, Venue TBC

Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies, Saturday 6 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Round 4

Western Force v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 12 March, HBF Park, Perth

Brumbies v Queensland Reds, Saturday 13 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Round 5

Melbourne Rebels v NSW Waratahs, Friday 19 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Queensland Reds v Western Force, Saturday 20 March, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round 6

Brumbies v Western Force, Friday 26 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra

NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds, Saturday 27 March, Venue TBC

Round 7

NSW Waratahs v Brumbies, Friday 2 April, Venue TBC

Melbourne Rebels v Queensland Reds, Saturday 3 April, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Round 8

Melbourne Rebels v Western Force, Friday 9 April, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Queensland Reds v Brumbies, Saturday 10 April, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Round 9

Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 16 April, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Western Force v NSW Waratahs, Saturday 17 April, HBF Park, Perth

Round 10

Western Force v Queensland Reds, Friday 23 April, HBF Park, Perth

NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels, Saturday 24 April, Venue TBC

Qualifying Final

Saturday 1 May

Final

Saturday 8 May

*All kick off times to be confirmed

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