Rugby Fans Await Green Light For New 'Super Rugby Aoteroa' Competition
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The commencement of Level 2 Lockdown regulations in New Zealand will see the introduction of an exciting new initiative which will have the starved rugby public’s mouths watering.
'Super Rugby Aotearoa' is set to involve New Zealand’s five current Super Rugby teams (Crusaders, Blues, Highlanders, Chiefs and Hurricanes) going head-to-head in a uniquely-styled, new domestic format.
The announcement as to whether New Zealand’s move to Level 2 is imminent, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expected address the country on Monday.
The teams will play each other on a home-and-away basis over a 10 week period. All games will be played in front of empty stadium, however, they will be televised.
"For our fans, our players and everyone involved in Super Rugby, we are thrilled that the Sports Minister has given the green light for professional sport to resume at level two," said Mark Robinson, NZR CEO.
"Both netball and rugby have been working closely with government agencies on what training and playing at level two could look like, and we are incredibly grateful for their support."
💪🏽 Who's pumped?
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) May 7, 2020
READ 👉🏽 https://t.co/XxnpDNIJFj pic.twitter.com/oX6AT4eWEt
Andy Marinos, SANZAR CEO, also expressed excitement at the prospect:
“We have known for some time that once the green light is given to recommence playing [in any of our territories] that a revised Super Rugby competition format would have to be implemented. This will mean a strong domestic focus in each territory given the travel, border and government restrictions that we will have to adhere to.
"Given today's announcement by the New Zealand government, Sanzaar will now in conjunction with NZR move to the implementation of the revised Super Rugby format that has been agreed upon by all Sanzaar partners and stakeholders. We will work with NZR around the possible start date that satisfies government requirements," he said.
