Super Rugby Pacific has unveiled a revamped 10-team competition format for the 2027 season, with a new playoffs structure that places a premium on finishing in the top two.
The biggest change sees the end of the ‘lucky loser’ system, with every playoff match becoming a straight knockout.
The top six teams will continue to qualify for the playoffs, but the first and second-placed sides will earn a direct passage to the semi-finals and a week off.
Teams finishing third and fourth will instead host sudden-death quarter-finals against the fifth and sixth-placed teams, with the winners advancing to face the top two.
The regular season has also been expanded from 14 to 16 matches per team across a 17-week campaign after the number of byes was reduced from two to one.
The 2027 season is scheduled to begin on 12 February, with the final set for 26 June.
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Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley said the changes were designed to increase the importance of every match.
“We’re delighted to have developed a structure that pushes the limits of our competition window to deliver more games and give every fan more opportunities to see their favourite teams in action,” he said.
“At the same time, our new-look finals series ensures teams will be more desperate than ever to finish in the top two to secure a week off, and the top four to host a home final, while every finals game will be a genuine do-or-die contest on the road to the championship.”
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The 2027 calendar will also feature the first Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test, with All Blacks and Wallabies squads to be selected after round nine, adding extra significance to the opening months of the competition.
Competition organisers also confirmed they are working to retain the popular Super Round as part of next season’s schedule.
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Big shake-up for Super Rugby playoffs appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Super Rugby Pacific has unveiled a revamped 10-team competition format for the 2027 season, with a new playoffs structure that places a premium on finishing in the top two.
The post Big shake-up for Super Rugby playoffs appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
