Details of a domestic Super Rugby competition that would conclude with an old-school All Blacks trial match are emerging, as NZ Rugby plots a return from coronavirus shutdown.
Professional rugby came to a grinding halt in March, when New Zealand closed its borders to limit the spread of COVID-19, quickly followed by every other sporting code.
But according to NZME, the national body is pencilling in a mid-June start date for a five-team competition among the local Super Rugby franchises.
The plan would require the Government to move the country into COVID-19 Alert Level 2 on May 12, to allow the five franchises three weeks of full-contact training.
NZME reports the season would consist of 10 rounds, pitting each side against their four local rivals on a home-and-away basis, with the team finishing atop the table crowned champions.
Following that, NZ rugby fans would be treated to an all-star-type All Blacks trial match, replacing international tests against Wales and Scotland that seem certain to be cancelled.
The report suggests the trial would allow new All Blacks coach Ian Foster and his staff a chance to interact with players and prepare for a potential Bledisloe Cup series later in the year, if Australia's border restrictions are lifted.
Next, the Mitre 10 Cup provincial season, following its two-tier format, would play into December and could involve international players, depending on the state of coronavirus recovery abroad.
NZ Rugby is also considering a massive overhaul of Super Rugby from 2021, which could include two new home-based franchises and a Pacific-based side, while Australian teams would also be considered, depending how they rebound from their current crisis.
