Super Rugby 2017

[bwana]

Fixtures: View attachment 160920 Vodacom Super Rugby Draw 2017.xls

Media are advised that due to a technical error, the wrong Vodacom Super Rugby draw was attached to the media release issued earlier today. Please use the draw attached to this email. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Day & Date Match Venues Kick Off (Local) Kick Off (GMT) South Africa

ROUND 1
Thu 23 Feb Rebels v Blues AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 8:45 Thu 23 Feb 10:45
Fri 24 Feb Highlanders v Chiefs TBC 19:35 6:35 Fri 24 Feb 8:35
Fri 24 Feb Reds v Cell C Sharks Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 19:00 9:00 Fri 24 Feb 11:00
Sat 25 Feb Sunwolves v Hurricanes Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo 13:15 4:15 Sat 25 Feb 6:15
Sat 25 Feb Crusaders v Brumbies AMI Stadium, Christchurch 19:35 6:35 Sat 25 Feb 8:35
Sat 25 Feb Waratahs v Force Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:45 8:45 Sat 25 Feb 10:45
Sat 25 Feb Cheetahs v Emirates Lions Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 15:05 13:05 Sat 25 Feb 15:05
Sat 25 Feb Southern Kings v Jaguares Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 17:15 15:15 Sat 25 Feb 17:15
Sat 25 Feb DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls DHL Newlands, Cape Town 19:30 17:30 Sat 25 Feb 19:30

ROUND 2
Thu 2 March Force v Reds nib Stadium, Perth 18:30 10:30 Thu 2 Mar 12:30
Fri 3 March Chiefs v Blues TBC 19:35 6:35 Fri 3 Mar 8:35
Sat 4 March Hurricanes v Rebels TBC 17:15 4:15 Sat 4 Mar 6:15
Sat 4 March Highlanders v Crusaders TBC 19:35 6:35 Sat 4 Mar 8:35
Sat 4 March Brumbies v Cell C Sharks GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:45 8:45 Sat 4 Mar 10:45
Sat 4 March Sunwloves v Southern Kings Singapore National Stadium, Singapore 18:55 10:55 Sat 4 Mar 12:55
Sat 4 March Emirates Lions v Waratahs Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 15:05 13:05 Sat 4 Mar 15:05
Sat 4 March DHL Stormers v Jaguares DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:15 15:15 Sat 4 Mar 17:15
Sat 4 March Cheetahs v Vodacom Bulls Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 19:30 17:30 Sat 4 Mar 19:30

ROUND 3
Fri 10 March Chiefs v Hurricanes TBC 19:35 6:35 Fri 10 Mar 8:35
Fri 10 March Brumbies v Force GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:45 8:45 Fri 10 Mar 10:45
Fri 10 March Cell C Sharks v Waratahs Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 19:00 17:00 Fri 10 Mar 19:00
Sat 11 March Blues v Highlanders TBC 19:35 6:35 Sat 11 Mar 8:35
Sat 11 March Reds v Crusaders Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 18:45 8:45 Sat 11 Mar 10:45
Sat 11 March Cheetahs v Sunwolves Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:15 15:15 Sat 11 Mar 17:15
Sat 11 March Southern Kings v DHL Stormers Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 19:30 17:30 Sat 11 Mar 19:30
Sat 11 March Jaguares v Emirates Lions Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 16:40 19:40 Sat 11 Mar 21:40
BYES: Vodacom Bulls, REBELS

ROUND 4
Fri 17 March Crusaders v Blues AMI Stadium, Christchurch 19:35 6:35 Fri 17 Mar 8:35
Fri 17 March Rebels v Chiefs AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 8:45 Fri 17 Mar 10:45
Fri 17 March Vodacom Bulls v Sunwolves Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:00 17:00 Fri 17 Mar 19:00
Sat 18 March Hurricanes v Highlanders TBC 19:35 6:35 Sat 18 Mar 8:35
Sat 18 March Waratahs v Brumbies Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:45 8:45 Sat 18 Mar 10:45
Sat 18 March Emirates Lions v Reds Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 17:15 15:15 Sat 18 Mar 17:15
Sat 18 March Cell C Sharks v Southern Kings Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 19:30 17:30 Sat 18 Mar 19:30
Sat 18 March Jaguares v Cheetahs Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 16:40 19:40 Sat 18 Mar 21:40
BYES: FORCE, DHL Stormers

ROUND 5
Fri 24 March Crusaders v Force AMI Stadium, Christchurch 19:35 6:35 Fri 24 Mar 8:35
Fri 24 March Rebels v Waratahs AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 8:45 Fri 24 Mar 10:45
Sat 25 March Blues v Vodacom Bulls TBC 19:35 6:35 Sat 25 Mar 8:35
Sat 25 March Brumbies v Highlanders GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:45 8:45 Sat 25 Mar 10:45
Sat 25 March Sunwolves v DHL Stormers Singapore National Stadium, Singapore 18:55 10:55 Sat 25 Mar 12:55
Sat 25 March Southern Kings v Emirates Lions Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 15:05 13:05 Sat 25 Mar 15:05
Sat 25 March Cheetahs v Cell C Sharks Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:15 15:15 Sat 25 Mar 17:15
Sat 25 March Jaguares v Reds Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 18:40 21:40 Sat 25 Mar 23:40
BYES: CHIEFS, HURRICANES

ROUND 6 (Daylight Savings finishes in AUS and NZ)
Fri 31 March Highlanders v Rebels TBC 19:35 6:35 Fri 31 Mar 8:35
Sat 1 April Blues v Force TBC 17:15 4:15 Sat 1 Apr 6:15
Sat 1 April Chiefs v Vodacom Bulls TBC 19:35 6:35 Sat 1 Apr 8:35
Sat 1 April Reds v Hurricanes Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 18:45 8:45 Sat 1 Apr 10:45
Sat 1 April DHL Stormers v Cheetahs DHL Newlands, Cape Town 15:05 13:05 Sat 1 Apr 15:05
Sat 1 April Emirates Lions v Cell C Sharks Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 17:15 15:15 Sat 1 Apr 17:15
Sun 2 April Waratahs v Crusaders Allianz Stadium, Sydney 16:05 6:05 Sun 2 Apr 8:05
BYES: BRUMBIES, JAGUARES, Southern Kings, SUNWOLVES

ROUND 7
Fri 7 April Hurricanes v Waratahs TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 7 Apr 9:35
Sat 8 April Sunwolves v Vodacom Bulls Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo 14:15 5:15 Sat 8 Apr 7:15
Sat 8 April Highlanders v Blues TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 8 Apr 9:35
Sat 8 April Brumbies v Reds GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:45 9:45 Sat 8 Apr 11:45
Sat 8 April Cell C Sharks v Jaguares Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 15:05 13:05 Sat 8 Apr 15:05
Sat 8 April DHL Stormers v Chiefs DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:15 15:15 Sat 8 Apr 17:15
Sun 9 April Force v Southern Kings nib Stadium, Perth 14:05 6:05 Sun 9 Apr 8:05
BYES: CHEETAHS, CRUSADERS, Emirates Lions, REBELS

ROUND 8 (Easter)
Fri 14 April Crusaders v Sunwolves AMI Stadium, Christchurch 19:35 7:35 Fri 14 Apr 9:35
Sat 15 April Reds v Southern Kings Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 15:05 5:05 Sat 15 Apr 7:05
Sat 15 April Blues v Hurricanes TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 15 Apr 9:35
Sat 15 April Rebels v Brumbies AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 9:45 Sat 15 Apr 11:45
Sat 15 April Cheetahs v Chiefs Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 15:05 13:05 Sat 15 Apr 15:05
Sat 15 April DHL Stormers v Emirates Lions DHL Newlands, Cape Town 17:15 15:15 Sat 15 Apr 17:15
Sat 15 April Vodacom Bulls v Jaguares Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:30 17:30 Sat 15 Apr 19:30
BYES: FORCE, HIGHLANDERS, Cell C Sharks, WARATAHS

ROUND 9 (Anzac Day Weekend)
Fri 21 April Hurricanes v Brumbies TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 21 Apr 9:35
Fri 21 April Emirates Lions v Jaguares Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 19:00 18:00 Fri 21 Apr 20:00
Sat 22 April Highlanders v Sunwolves TBC 17:15 5:15 Sat 22 Apr 7:15
Sat 22 April Crusaders v DHL Stormers AMI Stadium, Christchurch 19:35 7:35 Sat 22 Apr 9:35
Sat 22 April Waratahs v Southern Kings Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:45 9:45 Sat 22 Apr 11:45
Sat 22 April Force v Chiefs nib Stadium, Perth 19:55 11:55 Sat 22 Apr 13:55
Sat 22 April Vodacom Bulls v Cheetahs Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:15 15:15 Sat 22 Apr 17:15
Sat 22 April Cell C Sharks v Rebels Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 19:30 17:30 Sat 22 Apr 19:30
BYES: BLUES, REDS

 

[bwana]

ROUND 10
Fri 28 April Highlanders v DHL Stormers TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 28 Apr 9:35
Sat 29 April Chiefs v Sunwolves TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 29 Apr 9:35
Sat 29 April Reds v Waratahs Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 19:45 9:45 Sat 29 Apr 11:45
Sat 29 April Force v Emirates Lions nib Stadium, Perth 19:55 11:55 Sat 29 Apr 13:55
Sat 29 April Cheetahs v Crusaders Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 17:15 15:15 Sat 29 Apr 17:15
Sat 29 April Southern Kings v Rebels Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 19:30 17:30 Sat 29 Apr 19:30
Sat 29 April Jaguares v Cell C Sharks Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 16:40 19:40 Sat 29 Apr 21:40
Sun 30 April Brumbies v Blues GIO Stadium, Canberra 16:05 6:05 Sun 30 Apr 8:05
BYES: Vodacom Bulls, HURRICANES

ROUND 11
Fri 5 May Hurricanes v DHL Stormers TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 5 May 9:35
Fri 5 May Cheetahs v Highlanders Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 19:00 17:00 Fri 5 May 19:00
Sat 6 May Rebels v Emirates Lions AAMI Park, Melbourne 15:00 5:00 Sat 6 May 7:00
Sat 6 May Chiefs v Reds TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 6 May 9:35
Sat 6 May Waratahs v Blues Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:45 9:45 Sat 6 May 11:45
Sat 6 May Cell C Sharks v Force Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 15:05 13:05 Sat 6 May 15:05
Sat 6 May Vodacom Bulls v Crusaders Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:15 15:15 Sat 6 May 17:15
Sat 6 May Jaguares v Sunwolves Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 18:40 21:40 Sat 6 May 23:40
BYES: BRUMBIES, Southern Kings

ROUND 12
Fri 12 May Blues v Cheetahs TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 12 May 9:35
Fri 12 May Brumbies v Emirates Lions GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:45 9:45 Fri 12 May 11:45
Sat 13 May Crusaders v Hurricanes AMI Stadium, Christchurch 19:35 7:35 Sat 13 May 9:35
Sat 13 May Rebels v Reds AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 9:45 Sat 13 May 11:45
Sat 13 May Vodacom Bulls v Highlanders Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 15:05 13:05 Sat 13 May 15:05
Sat 13 May Southern Kings v Cell C Sharks Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 17:15 15:15 Sat 13 May 17:15
Sat 13 May Jaguares v Force Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 18:40 21:40 Sat 13 May 23:40
BYES: CHIEFS, DHL Stormers, SUNWOLVES, WARATAHS

ROUND 13
Fri 19 May Chiefs v Crusaders TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 19 May 9:35
Fri 19 May DHL Stormers v Blues DHL Newlands, Cape Town 19:00 17:00 Fri 19 May 19:00
Sat 20 May Hurricanes v Cheetahs TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 20 May 9:35
Sat 20 May Force v Highlanders nib Stadium, Perth 17:45 9:45 Sat 20 May 11:45
Sat 20 May Sunwolves v Cell C Sharks Singapore National Stadium, Singapore 19:55 11:55 Sat 20 May 13:55
Sat 20 May Southern Kings v Brumbies Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 15:05 13:05 Sat 20 May 15:05
Sat 20 May Emirates Lions v Vodacom Bulls Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 17:15 15:15 Sat 20 May 17:15
Sun 21 May Waratahs v Rebels Allianz Stadium, Sydney 16:05 6:05 Sun 21 May 8:05
BYES: JAGUARES, REDS

ROUND 14
Fri 26 May Blues v Chiefs TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 26 May 9:35
Fri 26 May Reds v Force Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 19:45 9:45 Fri 26 May 11:45
Sat 27 May Sunwolves v Cheetahs Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo 14:15 5:15 Sat 27 May 7:15
Sat 27 May Highlanders v Waratahs TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 27 May 9:35
Sat 27 May Rebels v Crusaders AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 9:45 Sat 27 May 11:45
Sat 27 May Vodacom Bulls v Hurricanes Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 15:05 13:05 Sat 27 May 15:05
Sat 27 May Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 17:15 15:15 Sat 27 May 17:15
Sat 27 May Jaguares v Brumbies Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 18:40 21:40 Sat 27 May 23:40
Sun 28 May Emirates Lions v Southern Kings Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 14:30 12:30 Sun 28 May 14:30

ROUND 15 (AUS and NZ only)
Fri 2 June Blues v Reds TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 2 Jun 9:35
Sat 3 June Crusaders v Highlanders AMI Stadium, Christchurch 14:35 2:35 Sat 3 Jun 4:35
Sat 3 June Chiefs v Waratahs TBC 17:05 5:05 Sat 3 Jun 7:05
Sat 3 June Brumbies v Rebels GIO Stadium, Canberra 19:45 9:45 Sat 3 Jun 11:45
Sat 3 June Force v Hurricanes nib Stadium, Perth 19:55 11:55 Sat 3 Jun 13:55

ROUND 16 (NZC Only)
Fri 9 June Hurricanes v Chiefs TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 9 Jun 9:35
BYES: BLUES, CRUSADERS, HIGHLANDERS
Round 15 (SA1 and SA2 only)
Fri 30 June Jaguares v Southern Kings Velez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires 20:05 18:05 Sat 1 Jul 1:05
Sat 1 July Emirates Lions v Sunwolves Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg 14:30 12:30 Sat 1 Jul 14:30
Sat 1 July Cheetahs v DHL Stormers Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein 15:05 13:05 Sat 1 Jul 15:05
Sat 1 July Cell C Sharks v Vodacom Bulls Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 17:15 15:15 Sat 1 Jul 17:15

ROUND 16 (AC, SA1 and SA 2 only)
Fri 7 July Reds v Brumbies Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 19:45 9:45 Fri 7 Jul 11:45
Fri 7 July Force v Rebels nib Stadium, Perth 19:55 11:55 Fri 7 Jul 13:55
Sat 8 July Waratahs v Jaguares Allianz Stadium, Sydney 19:45 7:35 Sat 8 Jul 11:45
Sat 8 July Vodacom Bulls v Southern Kings Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 17:15 15:15 Sat 8 Jul 17:15
Sat 8 July DHL Stormers v Sunwolves DHL Newlands, Cape Town 19:30 17:30 Sat 8 Jul 19:30
BYES: CHEETAHS, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks

ROUND 17
Fri 14 July Highlanders v Reds TBC 19:35 7:35 Fri 14 Jul 9:35
Fri 14 July Rebels v Jaguares AAMI Park, Melbourne 19:45 9:45 Fri 14 Jul 11:45
Fri 14 July Southern Kings v Cheetahs Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth 19:00 17:00 Fri 14 Jul 19:00
Sat 15 July Sunwolves v Blues Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo 12:05 3:05 Sat 15 Jul 5:05
Sat 15 July Chiefs v Brumbies TBC 17:15 5:15 Sat 15 Jul 7:15
Sat 15 July Hurricanes v Crusaders TBC 19:35 7:35 Sat 15 Jul 9:35
Sat 15 July Force v Waratahs nib Stadium, Perth 19:55 11:55 Sat 15 Jul 13:55
Sat 15 July Cell C Sharks v Emirates Lions Growthpoint Kings Park, Durban 17:15 15:15 Sat 15 Jul 17:15
Sat 15 July Vodacom Bulls v DHL Stormers Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 19:30 17:30 Sat 15 Jul 19:30

Super Rugby Qualifiers
Fri 21 July
Fri 21 July
Sat 22 July
Sat 22 July

Super Rugby Semi Finals
Fri 28 July
Sat 29 July

Super Rugby Final
Sat 5 August

 

[Agent_Smith]

Format staying the same, despite the governing body admitting it's 'flawed'.

 

[bwana]

Tuesday, 20 September 2016

Vodacom Super Rugby 2017 schedule announced

· Cell C Sharks kick off SA season in Brisbane
· Two local derbies on opening round
· 135 regular season matches and eight-team, seven match finals series
· Draw schedule accounts for British & Irish Lions tour in June
· Finals series commences 21 July with Final set for 5 August

Note to editors: The 2017 Vodacom Super Rugby schedule is attached. Please note that some venues are still to be confirmed.

Vodacom Super Rugby 2017 will kick off on Thursday 23 February when the Melbourne Rebels host the Blues, while the Cell C Sharks will be the first South African side in action when they take on the Reds in Brisbane a day later.

The Thursday night kick-off (Thursday morning SA time) is a first for Vodacom Super Rugby and is followed a week later by another Thursday match between Force and the Reds in Perth.

The opening round of action will see two South African derbies – both on Saturday, 25 February – when 2016 runners-up, the Emirates Lions, travel to Bloemfontein to face the Toyota Cheetahs, while the DHL Stormers will host the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town.

The Hurricanes will start off their title defence in Tokyo against the Sunwolves, while 2016 Australian conference winners, the Brumbies, will play the Crusaders in Christchurch.

It will be the second season for the 17-round, four-conference tournament structure that sees each team play 15 matches and have two byes. As in 2016, each team will play six matches within its own conference and nine matches against other conference teams.

In its inaugural year, the 18-team tournament produced some wonderful rugby where analysis of the new bonus point system showed it provided an increased level of competitiveness and rewarded those teams with an attacking mind-set. Despite the increase in the number of matches on previous years the average number of points scored per match increased from 45.3 to 52.0 while tries were up from 5.1 to 6.4 per match.

The 17-round regular season and the finals series produced a final in Wellington between the two best teams in the tournament, the Hurricanes and Emirates Lions, highlighting the integrity of the tournament structure.

The Hurricanes were the fourth new champion in the last five years of Vodacom Super Rugby thereby securing a clean sweep of New Zealand teams having won the title since its inception, and again highlighting the competitiveness of the tournament.

The 2017 June Test window, and in particular the British & Irish Lions series in New Zealand, has an impact on the match schedule. Fixtures in early June and July have therefore been scheduled around the various June Tests and the matches between the British & Irish Lions and the five New Zealand Vodacom Super Rugby teams.

“The new season is set to be another enthralling, action-packed one as we enter the second year of the 18-team conference-style tournament,” said SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos.

“We saw some fantastic rugby earlier this year and we look forward in particular to the continued development of the new franchises that added exciting new territories and colour to the tournament

“The schedule will see four Sunwolves matches played in Tokyo and three matches in Singapore, while eight matches will be hosted by the Jaguares in Buenos Aires. Both these teams made their Super Rugby debuts in 2016, with the Southern Kings from South Africa returning after their brief spell in 2013.

“It is anticipated that all three teams will be better for the experience of 2016 as we look forward to seeing their continued improvement. Super Rugby continues to be the toughest rugby tournament in the world given the high level, week-to-week competition and the travelling that is undertaken.

“We enjoyed a global audience of just over 50 million viewers for the 20th edition of Super Rugby with just over 2 million fans attending the matches. I would like to say a big thank you to all the fans and supporters for their support through 2016 and look forward to having our competition entertain and entice you through 2017,” added Marinos.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications and SANZAAR

 

[DanDango]

Thanks @bwana

2017 SUPER RUGBY SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The 2017 Super Rugby tournament kicks-off on Thursday 23 February with the Melbourne Rebels hosting the Auckland based Blues at AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Thursday night kick-off is a first for Super Rugby and is followed a week later by another Thursday night match between Western Force and the Queensland Reds in Perth at nib Stadium.

The 2017 Super Rugby tournament kicks-off on Thursday 23 February with the Melbourne Rebels hosting the Auckland based Blues at AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Thursday night kick-off is a first for Super Rugby and is followed a week later by another Thursday night match between Western Force and the Queensland Reds in Perth at nib Stadium.

The defending Champions, the Wellington based Hurricanes will start off their title defence in Tokyo against the Sunwolves. 2016 Australian conference winners the ACT based Brumbies will play the Canterbury based Crusaders in Christchurch.

The two South African Conference winners in 2016, the Johannesburg based Lions and Western Cape based Stormers, will play the Free Sate based Cheetahs and Pretoria based Bulls respectively.

It will be the second season for the 17-round, four-conference tournament structure that sees each team play 15 matches and have two byes. As in 2016 each team will play six matches within its own conference and nine matches against other conference teams.

In its inaugural year the 18-team tournament produced some wonderful rugby where analysis of the new bonus point system showed it provided an increased level of competitiveness and rewarded those teams with an attacking mindset. Despite the increase in the number of matches on previous years the average number of points scored per match increased from 45.3 to 52.0 while tries were up from 5.1 to 6.4 per match.

The 17-round regular season and the finals series produced a final in Wellington between the two best teams in the tournament, the Hurricanes and Lions, highlighting the integrity of the tournament structure. The Hurricanes were the fourth new champion in the last five years of Super Rugby thereby securing a clean sweep of New Zealand teams having won the Super Rugby competition since its inception, and again highlighting the competitiveness of the tournament.

The 2017 June Test window and in particular the British & Irish Lions series in New Zealand has an impact on the match schedule. Fixtures in early June and July have therefore been scheduled around the various June Tests and the matches between the British and Irish Lions and the five New Zealand Super Rugby teams.

SANZAAR CEO, Andy Marinos, stated, “The new season is set to be another enthralling, action-packed one as we enter the second year of the 18-team conference-style tournament.”

“The tournament saw some fantastic rugby last year and we look forward in particular to the continued development of the new franchises that added exciting new territories and colour to the tournament.”

“The schedule will see four Sunwolves matches played in Tokyo and three matches in Singapore, while eight matches will be hosted by the Jaguares in Buenos Aires. Both these teams made their Super Rugby debuts in 2016, with the Kings from South Africa returning after their brief spell in 2013.”

“It is anticipated that all 3 teams will be better for the experience of 2016 as we look forward to seeing their continued improvement. Super Rugby continues to be the toughest rugby tournament in the world given the high level, week-to-week competition and the travelling that is undertaken.”

“We enjoyed a global audience of just over 50 million viewers for the 20th edition of Super Rugby with just over 2 million fans attending the matches. I would like to say a big thank you to all the fans and supporters for their support through 2016 and look forward to having our competition entertain and entice you through 2017,” added Marinos.

http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/news/2017-super-rugby-schedule-announced1/

 

[raind33r]

TL;DR

or maybe it should be TL;DW (didn't watch)


This competition is boring and a farce.
Stretched out to the max, for max capital gain by the broadcasters.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Format staying the same, despite the governing body admitting it's 'flawed'.

The options they had to make changes to the 2017 season was too limited under the current agreements. Change is set happen in 2018,

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...ormat-but-reduction-of-teams-likely-in-future

Selective quotes,

New Zealand's push for a more traditional top eight quarter finals format is likely to be knocked back. That would see the much-maligned system where the four conference winners are guaranteed home advantage retained.

No new teams are expected to be included for the 2018 season but following on from reports from out of Australia reduction is gathering momentum. Retaining the 18-team status quo remains an option but dropping teams from Australia and South Africa is also being strongly considered by those respective unions.

Keeping to the 18-team status quo and dropping Aussie and SA teams would mean to include a Singapore based team, the Asia Pacific Dragons, and another Argentinian based team.

New Zealand's five franchises are secure, and any reduction would need at least two teams culled. It is understood a 17-side competition would not function, and the futures of Japan's Sunwolves and Argentina's Jaguares are thought to be safe.

...

"It's fair to say there's absolutely no appetite from a South African or Australian perspective to have any change to the finals series in the short term," Marinos said. "It was very much New Zealand who brought that agenda to the table. In terms of 2017, I wouldn't see any change happening.

...

Marinos was coy when pressed on reducing teams in 2018.

"We've looked at modelling down to 12, 14, 16 and 15. That's all part of the work that has to be done. If you're looking at reduction you've got to look at all different models. That was presented to everybody.

"And then you look at opportunities for future expansion. A fair bit of work is still to be put in yet."

...

Plans to expand, possibly in 2021, will need a balancing of integrity with commercial imperatives; the need to drive revenue to retain players.

Final decisions on a 10-year plan won't be made until consultants Accenture present their review in November.

Finding a way to include the Pacific Islands at some point also continues to be canvassed.

"There's been a registered interest out of that market and New Zealand have been particularly keen on furthering discussion on that. They are an important part of the southern hemisphere and for years have delivered quality players.

I see the Cheetahs under threat and the Kings on the chopping block in 2018, alongside the Western Force. There is a good chance that the Cheetahs may improve and put another SA team on the chopping block pending on politics.

It is said, earlier this year, that Super Rugby may soon reach a massive TV rights agreement which would see the competition expand in 2021-2025. This would welcome additional options like America, Canada and the South Pacific. This is then, not now. Note that there are already discussions to place Pro12 teams in North America PRO Rugby which has its own controversies.

 

[Fulcrum29]

List of 2016–17 Super Rugby transfers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2016–17_Super_Rugby_transfers

 

[Fulcrum29]

The Brisbane Global Tens is the run up competition to the 2017 Super Rugby competition. The Super Rugby teams competing in this two-day competition will play one warmup game less than those not competing in the competition.

The only SA team in the competition is the Bulls.

http://www.brisbaneglobaltens.com/

The teams:

BLUE BULLS
BLUES
BRUMBIES
CHIEFS
CRUSADERS
FORCE
HIGHLANDERS
HURRICANES
PANASONIC WILD KNIGHTS
QUEENSLAND REDS
REBELS
SAMOA
TOULON
WARATAHS

 

[Fulcrum29]

Lol, the Sunwolves have to travel ~110,000km in 2017, they travelled 80,000km in 2016.

 

[thestaggy]

It feels like it only ended last week and now we are talking about 2017. It is just too much.

SA and Oz could both do with contraction as it is clear that neither country can field more than 3 competitive sides.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

List of 2016–17 Super Rugby transfers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2016–17_Super_Rugby_transfers

Decent squad continuity for the Sunwolves and Jaguares.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Decent squad continuity for the Sunwolves and Jaguares.

The list is a bit misleading due to it only showing player movements, and that it is not up-to-date.

The Jaguares, yes. The Sunwolves, no, actually nothing is really known other than Filo Tiatia accepting the head coaching position under Jamie Joseph’s mentorship. To date, they have not signed a single player onto the 2017 player roster. They are probably negotiating, and will start to sign players when the Cherry Blossoms conclude with their year-end tour.

Derek Carpenter will be eligible to play in the Japanese National team by November and I’m sure this is motivation enough to support their Super Rugby campaign. It is also rumoured that Ed Quirk wants to align with the JRFU, but his participation in the Australian national sevens team is hurdling his chances with World Rugby to be eligible and are busy with negotiations. This is also motivational enough to keep him with the Sunwolves in order to have him compete (or not) in the upcoming Rugby World Cup with the Cherry Blossoms.

Michael Leitch is open to be signed, it is said that Joseph is busy to negotiate with the Cherry Blossoms captain.

Fumiaki Tanaka is open to be signed, though Tanaka has entered his 30’s he may provide much experience to an inexperienced Super Rugby squad.

Everyone by now knows that the Rebels has signed Amanaki, actually the Rebels made an agreement with NTT Communications, and apparently it is not a loan agreement… he still belongs to the Shining Arcs. In my opinion this is a good signing, and may bring more variation to the Cherry Blossoms. The Rebels though, as a better team, probably have the worst schedule in 2017.

But yah, it will only be by November/December to see the Sunwolves take shape.

On a side note, Tony Brown is available to be the Cherry Blossoms assistant coach in November, and Tiatia will also be involved in one capacity or the other which is good in structuring a Super Rugby squad. Eddie Jones also had good things to say on Joseph’s appointment.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Lol,

Yuki Yatomi stepping Cory Jane.

https://twitter.com/JapanRugbyClub/status/778585547136794624

What a triple step.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Lol,

Yuki Yatomi stepping Cory Jane.

https://twitter.com/JapanRugbyClub/status/778585547136794624

What a triple step.

 

[Fulcrum29]

http://ssl-www.stuff.co.nz/sport/ru...r-to-turn-back-on-return-to-New-Zealand-rugby

Joe Schmidt and Vern Cotter to turn back on return to New Zealand rugby

Two heavyweight contenders to replace Dave Rennie as Chiefs head coach are both expected to take themselves out of the running, and in doing so strengthen the prospect of Ian Foster eventually taking over the All Blacks.

All indications are that Joe Schmidt, the Chiefs' preferred candidate, will soon confirm he intends to stay on and lead Ireland to the next World Cup in 2019. This not only means the Chiefs have to find an alternative for the 2018 season, but also serves a disappointment for New Zealand Rugby who were keen to work alongside a Super Rugby team and bring the highly respected mentor home.

The Sunday Star-Times also understands Vern Cotter has signed with a French club - although it is not believed to be Toulon. The Chiefs were interested in Cotter but he is now expected to move for a second stint in France after finishing up with Scotland next year.

 

[Fulcrum29]

The Rebels made quite a boon by signing Marika Koroibete into Union rugby.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league...oroibete-admits-reason-for-super-rugby-switch

Union money lures NRL star as Marika Koroibete admits reason for Super Rugby switch

With just 80 minutes remaining in the NRL, rugby-bound winger Marika Koroibete admits he's only leaving the Melbourne Storm for money.

Sunday's NRL grand final against Cronulla will be the Fijian flyer's last match with the Storm after signing with the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby team.

While his heart may still say Storm, his head said rugby union, with the massive joint offer from the Rebels and Australian Rugby Union, who view him as a future Wallaby, too good to refuse.

People may think that Zas and Barrett is quick, they are not close to Koroibete's lightning speed. Koroibete was unavailable to play in the Rugby World Cup, it is sorry to see mention that the Wallabies wants to poach the man. He is young and extremely talented.

 

[Fulcrum29]

Seta Tamanivalu linked with Crusaders

Wellington - The Crusaders are set to sign Chiefs and All Blacks centre Seta Tamanivalu for next year's Super Rugby season.

Tamanivalu was in important players for the Chiefs in this year's competition and received an All Blacks call-up for the series against Wales in June.

According to the New Zealand Herald the Chiefs did not comment on the move but their sources confirmed the Crusaders were interested in his services and were close to signing him.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Why the sad face? I liked him at the Chiefs, but he'll be good at the Crusaders, too. Think they need it after losing so many back line players...

 

[Fulcrum29]

Why the sad face? I liked him at the Chiefs, but he'll be good at the Crusaders, too. Think they need it after losing so many back line players...

That's why. They have more than enough quality centres, but Tamanivalu was their best utility back on the rotation to cover the wing. Also, it is my team. I only want to have Dave Rennie to bag one more Super Rugby title.

But yah, the Crusaders was rebuilding their team and now they will need to continue under Scott Robertson. Kieron Fonotia and Robbie Fruean has moved to Great Britain which is reason enough to draw Tamanivalu into their squad.

There will be many more signings and player movements between now and February.

Another thing, Tana Umaga has been named the Maori All Blacks assistant coach which is a great opportunity to gain experience to carry the continuity over to the Blues.