New Zealand locks in Super Rugby tournament for 2021

New Zealand Rugby has locked in dates for its domestic Super Rugby competition next year, adding a final in a likely boost to its strained finances.

The organization’s financial reserves have been almost halved this year as revenue slumped and it stepped up support to teams and provinces hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The success of the inaugural Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, rapidly assembled when the full Super Rugby tournament was suspended in March as international borders closed, has been one of the bright spots of the past year.

The 2021 tournament will follow the same format as the first with home and away matches among New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams. But next year’s competition will have a final — a luxury which couldn’t be included this year in a hastily arranged and compact tournament and because of uncertainty over local lockdown regulations.

The 2021 tournament is scheduled to begin Feb. 26 with the final on May 8. The format retains the Sunday afternoon matches which were extremely popular with fans this year.

“It’s fantastic to have some certainty for fans, players and partners after what’s been a year of uncertainty,” NZR spokesman Chris Lendrum said. “Confirming the 2021 draw is a significant milestone and a positive step for rugby in New Zealand.

“We’ve listened to the fans and our players and added a final which we think will provide a fitting climax to the competition.”

Image credits: AP