Super Rugby to Resume with Mini Tournament in NZ

Update: The New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed that the Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament will kick-off on 13 June, with matches taking place at 07:05am (SA time), while the Sunday matches get underway at 05:05am (SA time).

Original Story: With the global rugby season being minimised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Zealand Rugby Union has confirmed that a tournament will take place, albeit in a revised, smaller capacity.

Known as ‘Super Rugby Aotearoa’, the reworked 2020 domestic Super Rugby tournament will remain region-localised, with the New Zealand franchises playing in their own compressed competition. This would include the Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes, and Chiefs playing 20 games within 10 weeks.

“The five teams will play each other home and away over 10 weeks, with two matches every weekend,” said New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson.

All the respective matches will be played in closed stadiums without public attendance.

“As soon as the country announces what date we move to alert level two, we will be able to confirm what date Super Rugby will kick off,” added Robinson.

“Both netball and rugby have been working closely with government agencies on what training and playing at level 2 could look like, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.”