Details revealed for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition

The Super Rugby Trans-Tasman 2021 draw has been finalised with the five-week competition kicking off in Dunedin where the Highlanders will host the Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday, 14 May.

The Highlanders and Crusaders will be at home in Round 1 with the Hurricanes, Blues and Chiefs heading across the Tasman for the start of a tournament that will see New Zealand’s five Super Rugby clubs square off against the Reds, NSW Waratahs, Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels and Western Force.

The final between the two top-placed teams on the combined competition table is scheduled for Saturday, 19 June.

The draw also includes two family-friendly afternoon matches in New Zealand with the Blues hosting the Waratahs at Eden Park in Round 2, and the Chiefs playing the Rebels at FMG Stadium Waikato in Round 4.

As previously announced, Round 3 will feature a Super Round with all matches being played at one venue. NZR and Rugby Australia will announce venues and other details for the Super Round in due course.

NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said it was great to have certainty around venue and kick off times heading into Christmas.

“When you see the weekly match ups you realise how compelling the competition will be and I think it’s something that will capture the imagination of fans and players on both sides of the Tasman.

“We’ll get a chance to see all the teams in action in Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby AU and there will be a lot of intrigue in how they measure up to each other when Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman kicks off.”