{"id":278,"date":"2014-05-01T16:50:36","date_gmt":"2014-05-01T04:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/?p=278"},"modified":"2014-05-01T16:50:36","modified_gmt":"2014-05-01T04:50:36","slug":"new-era-for-super-rugby-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2014\/05\/01\/new-era-for-super-rugby-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"NEW ERA FOR SUPER RUGBY IN NEW ZEALAND"},"content":{"rendered":"

Follow @RedefinedRugby<\/a><\/p>\n

\"nz_super2014\"<\/a>The expanded competition will feature 18 teams \u2013 three more than the current 15 teams which is made up of five each from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\"super15\"
New era for Super Rugby in New Zealand<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2022 18 teams, four conferences, two regional groups confirmed
\n\u2022 Three new teams \u2013 South Africa, Argentina and one other
\n\u2022 Shorter competition – one week less<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A refreshed Super Rugby competition to kick off from 2016 offers the best chance to ensure it continues to be the premier international provincial rugby competition in the world, New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said today.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe wanted Super Rugby to remain a competitive, entertaining and commercially viable competition, one players enjoy being part of and we think this structure ticks all those boxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the best option to evolve what is already a fantastic competition and one that continues to deliver for fans, teams, players and sponsors.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom a player point of view it was important that we managed the travel of the teams. We needed a platform that ensured our best players could continue to perform at their peak. Equally keeping South Africa in the regular competition was an important part of what makes Super Rugby.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a later start and one less match for each team in the competition, we believe we have got the balance right. We also believe we have a competition that will continue to feed a winning All Blacks team.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom a fans\u2019 perspective, there will still be plenty of derbies to enjoy as well as top rugby from the best players in the world. Now we have a great opportunity to ensure Super Rugby continues to flourish in what is an increasingly competitive market for sports fans\u2019 attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

The expanded competition will feature 18 teams \u2013 three more than the current 15 teams which is made up of five each from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n

The new teams will comprise one new team each from South Africa and Argentina and one selected via a competitive tender. Teams will play in one of four conferences split evenly into two regional groups \u2013 the Australasia Group and the South Africa Group.<\/p>\n

Steve Tew said the new structure had been approved and confirmed by all SANZAR nations and Argentina following a thorough consultation and negotiation process with national Unions, Super Rugby organisations and teams and will now form the basis for negotiations with the competition\u2019s broadcast partners.<\/p>\n

Super Rugby teams and players welcome new format<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Chiefs Rugby Club Chairman Dallas Fisher said the changes were a natural evolution of the competition, while at the same time keeping the best elements of the existing format.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know that fans love the New Zealand derby matches so it\u2019s great to see they have been retained. At the same time we know that innovations are important if we want to see Super Rugby grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadder said: \u201cAs a coach, we were looking for a competition that continues to offer a great playing environment and real competition. Super Rugby is an outstanding competition, and it\u2019s exciting to think that we\u2019ll have new teams in the mix \u2013 but most importantly, we are keeping the number of matches and the length of the season manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol said: \u201cIn our view this proposal is the best of the options put forward given the complexity of issues, and number and location of teams involved. While recognizing there is still some work to do around the new teams, draw logistics and commercialization we support its presentation to the broadcasters and fans. We feel that in taking the time to fully comprehend it they too will appreciate the subtle aspects of what is ultimately a practical compromise, and quite exciting prospect, for all involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

New Super Rugby 2016 competition highlights:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The competition<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Expanded competition to 18 teams from 2016 \u2013 South Africa 6th, Argentina, plus new team
\n\u2022 Shorter competition \u2013 from 21 weeks to 20 weeks
\n\u2022 All teams play one less match in a regular season \u2013 from 16 matches to 15
\n\u2022 Four conferences playing in two regional Groups \u2013 South Africa and Australasia
\n\u2022 The Australasia Group made up of two conferences \u2013 Australia (five teams) and New Zealand (five teams)
\n\u2022 South African Group made up of two conferences \u2013 South Africa 1 (three teams plus one from Argentina), and South Africa 2 (three teams plus the 18th team)
\n\u2022 Each team plays 15 regular season matches \u2013 eight home\/seven away or vice versa every second year
\n\u2022 A total 135 regular season matches and seven Finals Series matches (compared to 120 and five)<\/p>\n

The Finals Series \u2026 eight contenders, three weeks<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Playoff format features an eight-team knock-out Finals Series playing in a quarters, semis and final format
\n\u2022 Five teams qualify from the Australasia Group, three teams from the South Africa Group
\n\u2022 All four conference winners automatically advance to Finals Series
\n\u2022 The next three highest ranked teams in the Australasia Group and the next highest team in the South Africa Group, will make up the wildcard contenders, and also advance to the Finals Series<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
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\"fb_follow\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ps5\"<\/a><\/p>\n

10% Discount at PlayersRugby , off the Normal RRP<\/strong>
\nby entering the code \u201crugbyredefined<\/em>\u201c<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Follow @RedefinedRugby The expanded competition will feature 18 teams \u2013 three more than the current 15 teams which is made up of five each from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. \u2022 18 teams, four conferences, two regional groups confirmed \u2022 Three new teams \u2013 South Africa, Argentina and one other \u2022 Shorter competition –…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":268,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rugbyheartland-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/rhld_nzNews.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4wlzH-4u","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":18690,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2023\/03\/28\/the-three-most-successful-teams-in-super-rugby-history\/","url_meta":{"origin":278,"position":0},"title":"The Three Most Successful Teams in Super Rugby History","author":"admin_hland","date":"March 28, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Super Rugby is one of the most anticipated sports events that rugby fans look forward to every year. It's a competition that used to bring together the best rugby teams from Australia, South Africa, Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand. The 2023 campaign however comprises teams from New Zealand, Australia, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "other"","block_context":{"text":"other","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/other\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3super-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3super-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3super-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3super-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/3super-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14489,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2021\/08\/30\/super-rugby-pacific-format-confirmed\/","url_meta":{"origin":278,"position":1},"title":"Super Rugby Pacific format confirmed","author":"admin_hland","date":"August 30, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Super Rugby Pacific will kick off a new era for the world\u2019s most exciting professional rugby competition next February with a 15-week regular season and a refreshed finals format, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Rugby Australia (RA) have announced. The 2022 season will be historic for rugby in the Pacific\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/super22.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/super22.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/super22.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/super22.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/super22.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3379,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2016\/01\/24\/a-z-of-rugby-in-2016\/","url_meta":{"origin":278,"position":2},"title":"A-Z of Rugby in 2016","author":"admin_hland","date":"January 24, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Follow @RedefinedRugby After a blockbusting 2015 rugby season which brought fans pulsating action across all formats, 2016 promises to be just as dynamic. Featuring an expanded Investec Super Rugby competition, Sevens at the Olympics for the first time, a jam-packed All Blacks calendar and much more, find out all you\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/rhlad_news1.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/rhlad_news1.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/rhlad_news1.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/rhlad_news1.jpg?fit=1024%2C356&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15548,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2022\/02\/22\/new-zealand-rugby-to-relocate-sky-super-rugby-aupiki-teams-to-taupo\/","url_meta":{"origin":278,"position":3},"title":"New Zealand Rugby to relocate Sky Super Rugby Aupiki teams to Taup\u014d","author":"admin_hland","date":"February 22, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"\u2022 Four Sky Super Rugby Aupiki squads to move into bubbles in Taup\u014d \u2022 Competition will move to a tournament format,\u00a0with teams assembled for\u00a0two and a half weeks \u2022 Matches to be played at Owen Delany Park and FMG Stadium Waikato New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has made the decision to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/76a2.jpg?fit=1200%2C676&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/76a2.jpg?fit=1200%2C676&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/76a2.jpg?fit=1200%2C676&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/76a2.jpg?fit=1200%2C676&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/76a2.jpg?fit=1200%2C676&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13043,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2020\/12\/15\/all-blacks-pool-for-2023-rugby-world-cup-unveiled\/","url_meta":{"origin":278,"position":4},"title":"All Blacks Pool for 2023 Rugby World Cup unveiled","author":"admin_hland","date":"December 15, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The All Blacks will play France, Italy and two yet-to-be-determined qualifiers in Pool Play at Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. The draw was held in Paris overnight, with New Zealand drawn alongside hosts France, Italy, Americas 1 and Africa 1 in Pool A. 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