JOHANNESBURG - The Super Rugby season will from 2020 be completed before any Test matches take place in mid-year; this being the major change to what World Rugby are terming a “global season”.
The new calendar, and changes, which will come into effect from 2020 until 2032, will see Super Rugby running uninterrupted from February until June and completed before the new window for Tests, in July.
Currently, Super Rugby grinds to a halt in June for northern hemisphere teams to play Tests matches against southern hemisphere nations in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Also, tier two nations will from 2020 play Tests against tier one nations, based on merit and performance.
The November Test window has also been brought forward by a week to extend the rest period for southern hemisphere players while Rugby World Cups will henceforth be cemented within the calendar to kick off one week earlier in the second week in September.
“The agreement to move the June international window to the first three weeks of July brings continuity and coherence to our domestic calendar,” said Saru CEO Jurie Roux.
“The switch between Super Rugby and the Incoming Series (in June), and then back to Super Rugby, damaged both events. The change will be welcomed by all in the southern hemisphere.
“It will allow us to complete Super Rugby before engaging in a Test season that will run seamlessly from the Incoming Series (in July) to the Rugby Championship without interruption.
“It will also allow touring teams to better prepare between the end of their domestic seasons and the start of southern hemisphere tours.”