Super Rugby AU, Australia’s new domestic competition has confirmed its schedule for July 3 to September 19 after getting approval from broadcasters, Rugby Australia (RA) announced on Wednesday.
The competition, featuring the country’s four Super Rugby teams and Perth-based Western Force, will have 10 weeks of round robin play before a two-week playoff series.
RA interim CEO Rob Clarke says in a statement: “Our focus is now back where it should be, getting Super Rugby AU up and running next month and watching our five Australian teams go head-to-head in week after week of Aussie derby action.”
Super Rugby AU will kick off with the Reds hosting the Waratahs in Brisbane on July 3.
Australia will become the second nation to resume professional rugby after the coronavirus shutdown, with New Zealand set to open Super Rugby Aotearoa this weekend.
South Africa is hoping to kick off their own tournament as early as next month after Sanzaar confirmed the Jaguares will no longer be involved after Argentina’s authorities extended their travel ban until 1st September 2020.