Super Rugby Aotearoa: Trans-Tasman Super Rugby to return next year

Super Rugby Aotearoa is back in 2021 with the addition of a final.

Rugby fans will see the return of trans-Tasman Super Rugby clashes next year with a six week competition to be announced in the coming week.

As first reported by the New Zealand Herald's Liam Napier last week - the 10 franchises from New Zealand and Australia will meet following their own competitions.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the competition will be officially announced in the next week.

The five New Zealand and five Australian Super Rugby franchises, including the Force, will each face-off once before a final between the top two sides of the competition.

As reported by the New Zealand Herald last week the matches will begin in May following the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa competition which was revealed earlier this week.

It means New Zealand franchises could play up to 14 matches in 2021, if they reach two finals, with seven home games if a trans-Tasman bubble is open by May.

Rugby Australia's imminent broadcast deal is the final piece of next year's puzzle, with reports suggesting they are close to agreeing a $30 million, three-year deal with Channel Nine.

Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021

The schedule for the second installment of Super Rugby Aotearoa was announced on Tuesday, with 10 weeks of New Zealand derbies beginning on Friday February 26, with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The first round will finish with the Hurricanes entertaining the Blues in Wellington on Saturday February 27, while the Chiefs enjoy the bye in the opening week.

The Waikato franchise will begin their campaign in round two against the Highlanders in Hamilton.

Auckland rugby fans will have to wait a bit before they get to see action, with the Blues' first home game at Eden Park coming in round three against the Highlanders.

There is a mixture of matches spread across all three weekend days, maintaining the popular Sunday afternoon clashes that returned in 2020.

The final between the top two sides after 10 weeks will take place on Saturday May 8, contending the Tū Kōtahi Aotearoa trophy.

The Highlanders will host the Crusaders in the opening match of Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021. Photo / Photosport

New Zealand Rugby General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said next year's competition will build on the foundation the 2020 tournament laid.

"We saw how exciting this home and away format was ... all five teams now know what's required to compete and win every week. With the availability of the All Blacks locked in for round one there are going to be fireworks from the opening whistle.

"It's fantastic to have some certainty for fans, players and partners after what's been a year of uncertainty. Confirming the 2021 draw is a significant milestone and a positive step for rugby in New Zealand and we're thrilled to have our broadcast partner Sky come on board as naming rights sponsor.

"We've listened to the fans and our players and added a Final, which we think will provide a fitting climax to the competition."

The Crusaders will likely be favourites again for Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021. Photo / Photosport

With four consecutive titles under their belt, the Crusaders are set to enter the competition as favourites once again.

NZ Rugby is also working closely with Rugby Australia over transtasman matches between respective Super Rugby sides, and more details will be released shortly.

2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa schedule:

Round 1

Highlanders vs Crusaders, Dunedin – Friday February 26, 7.05pm

Hurricanes vs Blues, Wellington – Saturday February 27, 7.05pm

Round 2

Chiefs vs Highlanders, Hamilton – Friday March 5, 7.05pm

Crusaders v Hurricanes, Christchurch – Saturday March 6, 7.05pm

Round 3

Crusaders vs Chiefs, Christchurch – Saturday March 13, 7.05pm

Blues vs Highlanders, Auckland – Sunday March 14, 3.35pm

Round 4

Hurricanes vs Chiefs, Wellington – Saturday March 20, 7.05pm

Blues vs Crusaders, Auckland –Sunday March 21, 3.35pm

Round 5

Highlanders vs Hurricanes, Dunedin – Friday March 26, 7.05pm

Chiefs vs Blues, Hamilton – Saturday March 27, 7.05pm

Round 6 (Easter Weekend)

Crusaders vs Highlanders, Christchurch – Friday April 2, 7.05pm

Blues vs Hurricanes, Auckland – Saturday April 3, 7.05pm

Round 7

Highlanders vs Chiefs, Dunedin – Saturday April 10, 7.05PM

Hurricanes vs Crusaders, Wellington – Sunday April 11, 3.35pm

Round 8

Highlanders vs Blues, Dunedin – Friday April 16, 7.05pm

Chiefs vs Crusaders, Hamilton – Saturday April 17, 7.05pm

Round 9 (Anzac weekend)

Chiefs vs Hurricanes, Hamilton – Friday April 23, 7.05pm

Crusaders vs Blues, Christchurch – Sunday April 25, 3.35pm

Round 10

Hurricanes vs Highlanders, Wellington – Friday April 30, 7.05pm

Blues vs Chiefs, Auckland – Saturday May 1, 7.05pm

Final

Saturday May 8