The Western Force will open their Super Rugby campaign against the Waratahs in Sydney with Rugby Australia releasing the full draw for the domestic competition.
The round two clash will be the first hit-out the Western Force have had since March 14, their last clash being against the Malaysia Valke in round one of the Global Rapid Rugby competition before its imminent cancellation due to COVID-19.
The Western Force will be based on the east coast for the start of Super Rugby AU looking to play the latter end of the competition in Perth depending on WA State Government boarder restrictions with their first home game slated for July 24 against the Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park.
The competition was given the green light on Wednesday after a broadcast deal was finalised with FOX SPORTS
Rugby AU CEO Rob Clarke emphasised the advantage of consistently friendly time zones, a far cry from the challenges fans have faced with South African time zones in regular Super Rugby.
Today is another exciting day for Rugby fans in Australia as we unveil the full competition draw for Vodafone Super Rugby AU," he said.
“One of the main features of the draw is the consistent Friday and Saturday night prime time viewing slots on FOX SPORTS, which rugby fans can set their watches to for the next 12 weeks.
"There will be no need to set the alarms to get up and watch your team in the middle of the night.
“We are looking forward to welcoming back the Western Force and seeing them take on their Australian rivals once again. We know there is a lot of excitement in the west and we cannot wait
to see them in action.
“We know our teams will be desperate to get their hands on the silverware and players will be out to put their best foot forward for Wallabies selection at the end of the season.”
The Super Rugby AU season kicks off on Friday July 3, with all matches LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports.
Super Rugby AU Fixture
All times AWST, unless otherwise stated.
ROUND ONE
Friday July 3, 5:05pm - Reds vs Waratahs, Suncorp Stadium
Saturday July 4, 5:15pm – Brumbies vs Rebels, GIO Stadium
Bye - Force
ROUND TWO
Friday July 10, 5:05pm – Rebels vs Reds, AAMI Park
Saturday July 11, 5:15pm – Waratahs vs Force, TBC, Sydney
Bye - Brumbies
ROUND THREE
Friday July 17, 7:05pm – Reds vs Force, Suncorp Stadium
Saturday July 18 – Waratahs vs Brumbies, Sydney
Bye - Rebels
ROUND FOUR
Friday July 24, 5:05pm – Rebels vs Waratahs, AAMI Park
Saturday July 25, 5:15pm Force vs Brumbies, TBC
Bye - Reds
ROUND FIVE
Friday July 31, 5:05pm local, 5:05pm AEST – Force vs Rebels, HBF Park, Perth
Saturday August 1, 5:15pm - Brumbies vs Reds, GIO Stadium
Bye - Waratahs
ROUND SIX
Friday August 7, 5:05pm – Rebels vs Brumbies, AAMI Park
Saturday August 8, 5:15pm – Waratahs vs Reds, Sydney
Bye - Force
ROUND SEVEN
Friday August 14, 5:05pm – Force vs Waratahs, HBF Park, Perth
Saturday August 15, 5:15pm - Reds vs Rebels, Suncorp Stadium
Bye - Brumbies
ROUND EIGHT
Friday August 21, 5:05pm – Force vs Reds, HBF Park, Perth
Saturday August 22, 5:15pm – Brumbies vs Waratahs, GIO Stadium
Bye - Rebels
ROUND NINE
Friday August 28, 5:05pm – Brumbies vs Force, GIO Stadium
Saturday August 29, 5:15pm - Waratahs vs Rebels, TBC, Sydney
Bye - Reds
ROUND 10
Friday September 4, 5:05pm – Rebels vs Force, AAMI Park
Saturday September 5, 5:15pm – Reds vs Brumbies, Suncorp Stadium
Bye - Waratahs
FINALS
Saturday September 12- Qualifying final
Saturday September 19 - Final
