The end of Super Rugby - New Zealand announce plans for new competition in 2021

New Zealand Rugby appeared to signal the end for Super Rugby on Friday by announcing plans for a new competition in 2021 based in Australasia and featuring Pacific Island representation, cutting ties with South Africa and Argentina.

The move would free South Africa up to participate in European-based competitions, which has been suggested on several occasions over the past decade due to favourable time difference.

Super Rugby's intense travel schedule and limited amount of inter-provincial fixtures have been regular sticking points over the years.

The news comes following the end of a wide-ranging 'Aratipu' review over the past three months, overseen by the Chairs of the five Super Rugby clubs, provincial and private investor representatives as well as NZR Chair Brent Impey and CEO Mark Robinson.

Robinson cited the success of Super Rugby Aotearoa, the ongoing competition with New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises, as an incentive to pursue creating a new competition that would cut down on travel time and improve player welfare. Robinson also opened the door for Australia's Super Rugby franchises to participate.

"Coming on the back of Covid-19 and its impact on future competitons, the NZR Board has committed to establishing a new professional team competition in 2021.  We have also been heartened by the success of Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa," Robinson said.

"The focus is now on confirming the licenses for New Zealand's five current Super Rugby clubs and that work is now underway.  We have highly valued the partnership with these five clubs over the last 25 years of the competition and want that to continue.

"As well, there is a huge desire to have a Pasifika team involved which we think will be massive for the competition, popular with fans and is a priority for us.  As we know, our Pacific nations and Pasifika players in New Zealand have added so much to the rich history of rugby in Oceania and our game here in New Zealand. To have a team that would provide an additional pathway for Pasifika players to perform on the world stage would be hugely exciting," Robinson said.

"As well, we will also be working with Rugby Australia to seek expressions of interest from their current Super clubs and other interested parties to join the competition and that work will begin in earnest.  We are excited and interested to see what our Australian neighbours will bring to this competition."

Rugby Australia also expressed their interest in forming a new tournament, saying: "Rugby Australia acknowledges New Zealand Rugby’s preferred position following their announcement [on Friday] regarding a potential future provincial competition from 2021 and look forward to working constructively with New Zealand Rugby in the coming weeks.

"Rugby Australia will also continue its discussions with stakeholders in Australia and is in constant consultation with our valued SANZAAR Joint Venture partners.

"Due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby Australia recognises that there is a need to review the sustainability and practicality of the current Super Rugby competition and consider alternative models that are in the best interests of Australian Rugby from 2021 and beyond."

The seemingly final Super Rugby season was cancelled back in March, with New Zealand's Crusaders having won the past three titles.

The future of the Rugby Championship, the competition between Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa formerly known as the Tri-Nations, remains unclear.