Coach Tony Brown and chief executive Roger Clark were looking forward to Super Rugby Pacific, which was confirmed yesterday and will begin on February 18.
It is confirmation of the competition’s new format, which has been in limbo since Covid-19 stopped Super Rugby in 2020 and led to South Africa’s subsequent departure.
The new-look Super Rugby will also be without Argentina’s Jaguares and Japan’s Sunwolves.
The competition will feature the existing 10 New Zealand and Australian teams, as well as Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua.
It will feature a full round robin with an additional three games for each team.
The extra games will have an emphasis on derby encounters.
Each team will play seven home games.
A top-eight playoff system will follow, using a straight knockout quarterfinal, semifinal and final format.
It will be wrapped up before the July international window.
Brown said the new teams would likely add a different dimension to the competition.
"It’s good to finally have something new and exciting to look forward to in Super Rugby.
‘‘The introduction of Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua will add some significant new challenges to the competition.
‘‘The style of play, skill and physicality those teams will bring to Super Rugby Pacific will certainly enhance the competition as a spectacle. It would certainly be an exciting encounter playing those teams under the roof at home.”
Clark has heralded the new competition as exciting and challenging.
"It is great to finally have a new Super Rugby format in place," he said.
‘‘Super Rugby Pacific will be an exciting and fresh take on the rugby we have enjoyed over the last 25 years.
‘‘The stage is set for an intriguing five months of competition. I sense there is a real appetite among the fans, players and coaches for some fresh and challenging new experiences that Super Rugby Pacific will certainly deliver.”
The Fijian Rugby Union is yet to announce where the Fijian Drua will play its home games.
Moana Pasifika will play the majority of its home games in New Zealand.