Key features of new Super Rugby format

Thursday, 21 September 2017:

KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW-LOOK 15-TEAM SUPER RUGBY COMPETITION

* Competition reduced from 18 teams to 15, and four conferences to three.

* Tokyo-based Sunwolves have replaced the Western Force in the Australian conference.

* Each team plays 16 matches -- including home-and-away derbies against four conference rivals -- plus eight other games and has two byes.

* The finals will feature eight teams in a seven-match series with the championship decider held on August 4.

* Australian conference: Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds, Sunwolves.

* New Zealand conference: Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders, Hurricanes.

* South African conference: Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers, Jaguares.

* Competition kicks off on February 17 and ends with the August 4 final, with a break between June 3 and 26 for mid-season Test matches.






AAP






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