Super Rugby Pacific revamped draw to feature derby games first

Derby matches will feature in the first half of Super Rugby Pacific as New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia revamp the competition draw due to the latest threat posed by COVID-19.

The Fijian Drua will compete against Australian teams during this period.

Although several venues are still to be confirmed, the inaugural competition is set to be front-loaded with derbies in New Zealand and Australia through to mid-April. While popular with fans, the derby matches have proved to be brutal on the players.

The draw may be released by tomorrow.

It’s still hoped trans-Tasman fixtures can be played in New Zealand and Australia later in the season, but that’s likely to be dependent on the threat of the Omicron variant which has triggered sweeping changes to the COVID-19 plan in New Zealand, including pushing back the phased border reopening to late February.

The opening round is expected to kick-off on February 18 and the final is still set for June 18.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]