Australia and NZ strike Super deal

The future of Super Rugby Pacific has been secured until 2030, with New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia extending their joint venture agreement.

After a turbulent few months of squabbling between the nations, a broadcast revenue sharing agreement has been reached until the end of 2025.

The settlement will see the current men’s format remain intact for now.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said the agreement represents a unified commitment between the nations.

“This long-term agreement provides certainty and solidifies our joint commitment to ensuring Super Rugby Pacific is the most entertaining, innovative and fan-focused cross-border club competition in the world.”

RA chief executive Andy Marinos said they will continue to experiment with law changes to achieve an fast-flowing brand of rugby.

“RA and NZR are committed to the development of the most exciting form of rugby in the world, through trialing and implementing new rules, new ways of engaging fans and broadcast innovations with our partners.’’

An integrated women’s competition will also be explored, combining Super Rugby Aupiki and Australia’s Super W.

Robinson said there is a collective commitment to grow the women’s professional competitions alongside the men’s.

“While it is not a case of copy and paste with the men’s structure in Super Rugby Pacific, we believe there are enormous opportunities to build a world class cross border professional women’s club competition.

No dates have yet been confirmed for the venture.

A new governance model will be introduced with a nine person board, featuring an independent chair, four independent directors and one representative from each union and each players association.

RA had previously threatened to split from NZR and create their own domestic competition, after chairman Hamish Mclennan reportedly told his Kiwi counterpart Stewart Mitchell there was no guarantee they would remain in Super Rugby after 2023.