The Blues are excited about the future of the new Super Rugby Pacific competition announced today by New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia.

Blues Chief Executive, Andrew Hore said he is enthusiastic about the new competition which will involve the five New Zealand Super sides, five Australian sides and the addition of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika which will kick-off on 18 February.

The key features are:

• 12 teams with the Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs, Crusaders, Fijian Drua, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Melbourne Rebels, Moana Pasifika, NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and Western Force

• We have seven home games in front of our faithful fans

• We play everyone in a single competition – no separate conferences and just one points table

• There are more exciting playoffs with quarterfinals, semis and final with us in it we hope.

• We have new teams in the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.

“I think this competition structure breathes new life and excitement into what we all believe will be the best professional club competition in the world,” said Hore. “There’s 12 teams with two new teams which has the potential to be really exciting. And we are enthusiastic that we have seven home games for our fans. Our Operations team will be hard at work now looking at dates and venues to bring the season to life. The competition signals that we have a plan, it is bold, bright and full of possibilities. It is now full-steam ahead for the Blues family to get the season ready for our ever-faithful fans, all the rugby players in our provincial unions, our stakeholders and sponsors and our players and staff.

So, let’s Bring it Blue in 22!”

Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said this announcement has sharpened the focus for his team.

“We are enthusiastic about this news today. It only seems like yesterday that we finished but we are talking about assembling in about 10 weeks’ time. We have reviewed our season and keen and ready for the club to take another step forward. It is going to be full-on for everyone at the Blues from this point. The players and staff will be fizzing now with this news today. The format has real potential. We have our big derby matches and we get the opportunity to travel across the Tasman, and I am sure our Australian opponents will be much stronger for their experience this year. Added to that is two new teams who will bring some flare and excitement.”

New Zealand Rugby will be working on a draw with the competition scheduled to start on 18 February and run for 18 straight weeks and will be completed before the international window in July.

If you wish to secure your membership for the 2022 season head to www.blues.rugby to register your interest.