Start date locked in for New Zealand domestic rugby competition
New Zealand Rugby has announced its new five-team, 10-week domestic competition named ‘Super Rugby Aotearoa’ will begin on June 13 - three weeks before Australian rugby’s preliminary return to play.
Following a New Zealand government announcement on Monday that the country would move to COVID-19 alert level two this Thursday, NZR outlined a draw and start date for its domestic league that will feature All Blacks stars playing in front of no crowds.
All five of its Super Rugby sides - the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders - will contest a home and away season with two games each weekend on Saturdays and Sundays.
First up, the Highlanders take on the Chiefs in Dunedin on June 13. The next day the Blues host the Hurricanes in Auckland.
Saturday matches will begin at 5.05pm (3.05pm AEST), while Sunday games get under way at 3.05pm (1.05pm AEST).
The earlier kick-offs have been organised so teams can fly in and out via charter flights on game day.
Rugby is set to get back under way in New Zealand on June 13. Credit:Getty
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said: “The thought of five world-class Kiwi teams battling it out in 20 matches over 10 weeks should put a smile back on the faces of many people. I know our players are excited and I’m sure rugby fans will be as well.
“Medical and operational staff across NZR, the players association and the clubs have been working together to ensure we have detailed plans in place to protect the health and safety of everyone involved.”
New Zealand have left their trans-Tasman rivals for dead, with an Australian competition not due to start before July 4.
Rugby Australia is yet to sign off on domestic fixtures and will give New Zealand a free hit if they have to wait an extra three weeks to get going.
Australia's rugby players will return to training on Tuesday in smaller groups.
RA's chief medical officer, Warren McDonald, and return to play committee lead, Anthony French, spent Tuesday briefing clubs on the guidelines and biosecurity measures they will be expected to uphold.