The format for Super Rugby Pacific has been revealed with 15 regular-season games and a refreshed finals format in place.
The 2022 season will be a historic one with the introduction of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, who will join the 10 teams from New Zealand and Australia.
The competition will kick-off on February 18 and conclude on June 18 after an eight-team, single-elimination playoff system.
In all, 91 matches will be played across four months, with fixtures to be announced in the coming weeks.
Each team will play 14 regular-season games, playing eight teams once and three 'derby' teams twice, with one singular points table across the three regions.
The top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs, which will be seeded with the top seed in each game earning home advantage.
"We are entering an incredibly exciting new phase for rugby in the Pacific region," says New Zealand Rugby high performance manager Chris Lendrum,
"The trans-Tasman rivalries are crucial to our sport in the Southern Hemisphere, and the existing Super Rugby clubs have built a wonderful history and legacy over 26 years.
"Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua will add an enormous amount of energy, skill and talent to the competition, not to mention a passionate support base.
"The Pasifika nations have added so much to world rugby over the years and this is an opportunity to enhance the standing of Pasifika rugby.
"Fans are going to see incredible skill and athleticism, and the regular season and finals series will undoubtedly unearth the best side in the tournament."
Fijian Drua's home fixtures will be played at in South Queensland because of COVID-19 travel concerns, while Moana Pasifika will play a majority of their home fixtures in New Zealand.
"Moana Pasifika acknowledges and thanks New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia for their commitment to building an exciting Super Rugby Pacific competition and the round-robin format definitely makes it even more attractive," says Moana Pasifika chair Sir Michael Jones.
"It is a historic time for rugby in the Pacific and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”
Fiji Rugby CEO John O’Connor, on behalf of the Fijian Drua, says they are thrilled to see a format that offers all participating teams a fair shot at the playoffs.
"The South Pacific has traditionally been the game’s talent goldmine globally, but NZR and RA’s commitment will help us provide professional pathways for our players right here at home.
"We will repay the steadfast faith shown by our partners by bringing high octane flair and skills that are uniquely Fijian to Super Rugby Pacific.
"The Fijian Drua eagerly look forward to announcing the next milestones in our journey, which will include assembling a squad of players who will light up the competition and delight fans week in, week out."
