Waratahs, Reds dominate prime-time slots as full draw revealed
The Reds and Waratahs will dominate Super Rugby AU's newly minted free-to-air slots.
Rugby Australia has confirmed the full draw for next year's Super Rugby AU season, with rugby's two heartland states to lead Nine's push for a television ratings lift.
Queensland will play six of their 10 matches in the live free-to-air slots and NSW have been given five prime-time shifts.
The Brumbies, reigning Super Rugby AU champions, will play four matches in the coveted slot, the Rebels will play three, while the Force will feature just twice.
Given NSW and Queensland will face one another for two of those matches, only one match shown on Nine will be without one of the two traditional heartland states - the round-three clash between the Rebels and Brumbies.
The Reds and Waratahs will also have the honour of being the first two Super Rugby teams to feature live on free-to-air television when they open the season on Friday February 19.
That night will feature a double-header to kick off the season, as the action will then move west, where the Force will host the Brumbies.
Super Rugby AU 2021 draw
Round 1
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs, Friday 19 February, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Western Force v Brumbies, Friday 19 February, HBF Park, Perth
Round 2
Queensland Reds v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 26 February, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Brumbies v NSW Waratahs, Saturday 27 February, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Round 3
NSW Waratahs v Western Force, Friday 5 March, Venue TBC
Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies, Saturday 6 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Round 4
Western Force v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 12 March, HBF Park, Perth
Brumbies v Queensland Reds, Saturday 13 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Round 5
Melbourne Rebels v NSW Waratahs, Friday 19 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Queensland Reds v Western Force, Saturday 20 March, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 6
Brumbies v Western Force, Friday 26 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra
NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds, Saturday 27 March, Venue TBC
Round 7
NSW Waratahs v Brumbies, Friday 2 April, Venue TBC
Melbourne Rebels v Queensland Reds, Saturday 3 April, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Round 8
Melbourne Rebels v Western Force, Friday 9 April, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Queensland Reds v Brumbies, Saturday 10 April, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 9
Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 16 April, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Western Force v NSW Waratahs, Saturday 17 April, HBF Park, Perth
Round 10
Western Force v Queensland Reds, Friday 23 April, HBF Park, Perth
NSW Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels, Saturday 24 April, Venue TBC
Qualifying Final
Saturday 1 May
Final
Saturday 8 May
*All kick off times to be confirmed
At the end of the 10-week season, the team that finishes on top of the ladder will progress straight through to a home grand final.
The second- and third-placed teams will then square off, with the winner progressing to the decider, as was the case this year in the inaugural Super Rugby AU.
Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby are expected to confirm a trans-Tasman element to Super Rugby to follow the respective finals series in the coming days.
Every game will be broadcast live on Stan Sport.
"What a way to start 2021 and our new partnership with Stan and Nine. Our players are raring to go and are really keen put on a show for fans, with Super Rugby AU to light up living rooms right around the country," interim RA chief executive Rob Clarke said.
"Super Rugby AU was terrific in 2020 and will get better next year as this next crop of Australian rugby stars continue to develop, and they are complimented by some genuinely talented international players who have since arrived on our shores.
"The 2021 season promises to be a great one for Australians fans with every game in primetime and with the added support of our new partners, Stan and Nine," Clarke said.
More to come
Sam is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.