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SANZAAR have opted to change Super Rugby yet again. The reform confirmed for 2021 sees the dumping of Japanese franchise the Sunwolves, thereby creating a new Super 14.
The new Super 14 will see an end to the conference format with the competition reverting to the former system of a round robin format. This means that Argentine side Los Jaguares will now play one match per season against the other 13 sides. Either six or seven of these will be at home with the reverse true for away matches.
The season will be structured to give each team two bye rounds. This will favor some over others based on the respective travel time required of the franchises. Los Jaguares will have no derby matches unlike the remaining thirteen competitors who will come in the form of the existing four Australian teams, five New Zealand teams, and four South African teams.
Also changing for 2021 is a Top 14-like play-off’s system. The barrage format is to be replicated with a three-week play-off process in which the top two advance directly to the Semi Finals while the regular season teams ranked 3rd t0 6th contest barrage to determine the remaining two Semi Finalists.
