The New Zealand women’s Super Rugby Aupiki draw has been released and it includes a “super round" to be held at Pukekohe in round three which will feature all four teams.
Described by New Zealand Rugby as the "All In" round on the afternoon of Saturday, July 4, the Chiefs Manawa will play the Matatū, with the Hurricanes Poua playing the Blues women straight afterwards.
"Expanding into more regional grounds and introducing our first ever 'All In' round creates more opportunities for fans to connect with the incredible talent in this competition," New Zealand Rugby head of women's high performance Hannah Porter said. "It’s an exciting step forward for the women’s game.”
The competition will start on Saturday, June 13 and has been aligned with the wider women's rugby calendar, according to NZ Rugby.
“With an internationally aligned schedule in place, a June kick-off supports player development and sets the competition up for sustainable growth," Porter added. "It also enables us to align with Rugby Australia’s Super W competition and, importantly, places the women’s competition in a mid-year window that enables greater visibility and dedicated focus within the rugby calendar."
The competition will start with the reigning champion Blues playing the Poua, with the Matatū hosting the Manawa at Christchurch's new Te Kaha Stadium on the same day.
Aupiki spans six rounds and includes a grand final. The season also includes a trans-Tasman champions final which will be held on August 1.
Last year, the Blues women won the trans-Tasman champions final, defeating the NSW Waratahs 36-5 at North Harbour Stadium.
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