ACT Brumbies get Super Rugby Pacific blockbuster boost after 2022 draw revealed

The Super Rugby Pacific draw was published on Monday, with a new-look competition to boost the sport's chance of reengaging with fans after a decade of discontent.

The Brumbies will play newcomers Moana Pasifika, who boast ACT great Christian Leali'ifano as their skipper, in Auckland in round one on February 18 before a Super round in Melbourne in week two.

They will then play the NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium on a Saturday night for their first home game before a grand final re-match against the Queensland Reds on March 12.

They will host the Wellington Hurricanes on a Saturday afternoon in Canberra, with Brumbies officials also securing a Sunday day fixture to entice fans back into the stands.

But question marks hover over the Brumbies' round six home game against the Waikato Chiefs. The NRL struck first and locked in Canberra Stadium for a clash between the Canberra Raiders and Gold Coast Titans at 7.35pm on Saturday, March 26.

MORE SPORT

It is understood the Chiefs are opposed to playing on a Sunday so as to avoid a five-day turnaround for their next match, while moving the game to a Friday night may create a clash with another Super Rugby game.

The Brumbies could shift the clash to Viking Park or Manuka Oval, but there are six-figure fees attached to taking games away to Canberra Stadium due to their venue agreement with the ACT government.

The season will finish with a brutal New Zealand double, but the good news is the Brumbies will have a home advantage when they play the Canterbury Crusaders in round 14 and the Auckland Blues in round 15 to end the regular season.

Brumbies boss Phil Thomson said: ""Hopefully having a couple of afternoon kick-offs as part of our seven home games, will make it a bit easier for families to come and enjoy watching the Brumbies at [Canberra Stadium].

"We will confirm the date and time for our round six fixture against the Chiefs as soon as possible and the club will continue to engage with our members and supporters on the details of that home fixture."

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said: "It's great to have the draw in our hands now and I think it's one which shows the potential of Super Rugby Pacific.

"When you look at it, there's no easy games, every one has meaning and there's the potential to create rivalries and tribalism that our supporters and fans of rugby in this part of the world really embrace.

"There's a lot to be excited about with seven home games and a couple of afternoon kicks-off. On the road we get to be part of an historic day for Moana Pasifika in their first ever fixture, in what will be an occasion the Brumbies will be proud to be part of.

"For the players and coaching staff, it's about improving every day so that we can meet the challenge of this competition and have a memorable year for the club and its supporters."

Super Rugby will be relaunched next year after coronavirus travel restrictions decimated 25 years of history.

The Australian teams played exclusively against each other last year and competed for a national title again this year, before a five-week trans-Tasman series.

Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua will join five Australian and five New Zealand teams in the new competition, which is hoped will reignite rugby union in Australia.

The Brumbies won the Australian title last year and were runners-up this year, losing a tense grand final against the Queensland Reds.

But the introduction of new teams, and reintegrating New Zealand opponents on a week to week basis will add challenges for ACT side.

The competition will also be Brumbies coach McKellar's final season in charge in Canberra before he moves into a full-time Wallabies assistant coaching role.

The Brumbies are in the final stages of the search for his replacement, with Stephen Larkham, Simon Cron and Peter Hewat believed to be in contention.

February 18: Moana Pasifika v Brumbies at Auckland, 5.05pm.

February 27: Rebels v Brumbies at Melbourne, 4pm.

March 5: Brumbies v Waratahs at Canberra, 7.45pm.

March 12: Reds v Brumbies at Brisbane, 7.45pm.

March 19: Brumbies v Hurricanes at Canberra, 2.35pm.

Round 6 date TBC: Brumbies v Chiefs at Canberra, TBC

April 1: Force v Brumbies at Perth, 9pm.

April 15: Fijian Drua v Brumbies at TBC, 7.45pm.

April 22: Highlanders v Brumbies at Dunedin, 5.05pm.

April 29: Brumbies v Reds at Canberra, 7.45pm.

May 8: Brumbies v Force at Canberra, 2pm.

May 14: Chiefs v Brumbies at Hamilton, 2.35pm.

May 21: Brumbies v Crusaders at Canberra, 7.45pm.

May 27: Brumbies v Blues at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: