Super Rugby

New lease of life for Super Rugby Pacific

Super Rugby has not been the same since COVID-19 tore it apart two years ago, but Australia and New Zealand will hope two new Pasifika teams will give the southern hemisphere competition a new lease of life this season.

Moana Pasifika are in a Queenstown bubble, while Fijian Drua will be camped on the east coast of Australia for Super Rugby Pacific's inaugural season due to logistical challenges brought by the pandemic.

Unvaccinated Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani leaves Western Force

Timani was unable to qualify for a medical exemption and his reluctance to have the vaccine meant he couldn't participate in the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season.

"I would like to thank the Western Force, my teammates and Rugby Australia for their support and understanding in what has been a difficult decision," Timani said.

"With the help of the Force, I am still consulting specialists but unfortunately with the season about to start I understand the position it puts both the Western Force and Rugby Australia in.

Toutai Kefu praises Super Rugby effort to support Tonga relief work

January's volcanic eruption sent a tsunami crashing onto Tonga's coastline, causing widespread damage which only got worse when the falling ash settled.

Almost 90 per cent of Tonga's 86,000 residents are said to be affected and now in need of assistance, according to the Red Cross.

Former Wallaby-turned Tongan coach Kefu's phone has been running hot ever since a charity game ahead of the Reds' season-opener at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday was announced.

All Blacks duo to miss Crusaders' first three Super Rugby Pacific games

The playmaker, and fellow All Black Ethan Blackadder, remained in Christchurch and are set to miss the first three weeks of Super Rugby Pacific.

Mo’unga, who is utilising a clause in his contract to take an extended break, and Blackadder (hamstring) will miss games against the Hurricanes, Highlanders and Moana Pasifika.

As long as the Queenstown bubble isn’t extended beyond round three, the Crusaders will return to Christchurch after their game against the competition newbies in Dunedin on March 4.

Drua will meet New South Wales Waratahs next week

FRU chief executive officer John O'Connor said the whole of Fiji is looking forward to the Drua's inaugural Super Rugby match against the New South Wales Waratahs next Friday.

O'Connor said having a team participate in one of the best rugby competitions in the world was the missing link in their player pathway program.

"The boys have been in camp from November. They have been away from families and I think they are quite eager to jump onto the field," he said.

Blues boss wants more freedoms for fans

The six New Zealand-based teams in the competition will spend the first few weeks of the season in a hub over coronavirus fears in the remote southern city of Queenstown, while attendance at matches will be capped at 100, in line with the government's attempt to minimise coronavirus infections.

"We're in no-man's land about where things go. Then you've got these draconian close contact rules that make, for most businesses in this country looking through an economic lens, everything unworkable and seemingly very disorganised," said Hore.

Hurricanes unveil name for women’s team

By drawing from already existing pūrākau (Māori narratives), the team's identity and connection to both the Hurricanes region and their people (past and present), happened naturally.

The name Poua derives from the pūrākau of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earthmother).

Moana Pasifika left with much to work on after first pre-season clash

It was just their second-ever fixture after their one-off defeat to the Maori All Blacks in December 2020.

Lotu Inisi scored Moana's only try which was converted by Christian Lealiifano.

Head coach Aaron Mauger was putting on a brave face following the loss, but emphasised that many inexperienced players in the squad have now had a taste of what Super Rugby is all about.

Hurricanes vs Blues clash moves to Wellington

The Blues announced the relocation from Auckland to Wellington late on Wednesday, saying the move occurred to minimise risk.

The Hurricanes confirmed the fixture will be hosted behind closed doors at Rugby League Park on Sunday, with a 1pm kick-off. The game is not being broadcast.

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said discussions about relocating the pre-season game started earlier in the week.

Moana Pasifika line-up named for historic pre-season fixture

The game will be played in three 30-minute blocks, allowing the coaches to test the full depth of their squad.

This is an historic occasion for Moana Pasifika being the first time the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific squad will play on their home ground, Mt Smart Stadium (kick off 7.05pm).

Under the current government restrictions, no spectators are allowed at the match. However, Sky Television have partnered with Moana Pasifika and will have live coverage in New Zealand from 6.30pm. The match will also be free to air on Prime.