Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss has led the chorus of support for Super Rugby AUS, saying players, staff and fans are "chomping at the bit" for more rugby.
The inaugural Super Rugby AUS competition kicks off this Friday and the mood is high nation-wide following the Wallabies' 28-24 win over Argentina and the Wallaroos securing their World Cup quarter final berth.
Catch up on all the Super Rugby AUS Round 1 team news here.
Speaking with reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday, Reds coach Kiss - who will succeed Joe Schmidt mid-way through 2026 - welcomed the four-week tournament to be broadcast live and free via the rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
"I think everyone's chomping at the bit for a bit of rugby. There's been a call for a third-tier arrangement here in Australian rugby for a while in this form, and although it's a small, little, fast little competition, I think it's welcome on a number of fronts," Kiss said.
"Obviously, for our players coming out of club rugby, post-Super rugby, to come and play in a good level of footy … and I think that's the really exciting bit about it.
"If you drop a game, you're behind the eight ball because the top two teams will play the final at the end of the day, so, you know, points for and against will be important. It'll be like finals."
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham described Super Rugby AUS as "a massive opportunity for players across the group and for different reasons."
"There is a handful of guys putting their hands up for selection for our Super Rugby Pacific squad in 2026, while there are others who are looking to catch the eye of Wallabies selections," Larkham said.
“That’s what makes this competition such an excellent addition to the calendar, to provide more time on the pitch for players. The experience they will gain can only be a good thing.”
Both the Reds and Brumbies have named strong sides to renew their rivalry and Kiss is eager to peg back a win after dropping both Super Rugby Pacific fixtures earlier this year.
"The Brumbies in recent times have probably had the wood on us so it's a great opportunity to welcome them here to Ballymore," Kiss added.
"This is our home. We want to protect it and we're proud of our home, so we're looking forward to people coming out here on Sunday and supporting us.
"It'll be a great match. They're a very good team. We're going to have to be good to get the money.
"The boys have been working hard for two weeks now but we all know it'll take more than hard work to get it."
There's not just opportunities on the pitch throughout Super Rugby AUS with Waratahs assistant coach Lachlan McCaffrey set to step up as NSW's head coach for the four-week competition.
“It’s exciting to coach this group, bringing together Shute Shield, Academy and top squad players, while also learning from experienced coaches like Dan McKellar,” McCaffrey said.
“Working closely with Mike and Dan, both quality coaches and former players, is a huge advantage for me and the team,” McCaffrey said. “[Super Rugby AUS] is about creating new relationships and energy — the Shute Shield boys, Academy players and top squad members all bring strengths, and this competition lets them combine and compete together.”
Every game of Super Rugby AUS will be broadcast live and free via the rugby.com.au YouTube channel.
Stan Sport subscribers can also watch Super Rugby AUS live and on-demand via the Stan platform.
