The domestic rugby season will resume on October 9 with a clash between the Sharks and the Lions in Durban, in the competition now dubbed Super Rugby Unlocked.
The competition went into lockdown with the rest of South Africa at the end of March but returns with three added teams and a chase to a unique finale in November.
The four, existing Super Rugby teams – Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – have been joined by the Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas, with all 21 matches broadcast live on SuperSport.
On October 10, the Cheetahs and Bulls will host the Pumas (at 4.30 pm), and Griquas (7 pm) respectively.
The Stormers have a bye in the opening round, but they will host the Lions the following week, when the men from Johannesburg will face the Capetonians at Newlands on October 17 at 7 pm.
Jurie Roux, SA Rugby chief executive said: “We’d like to thank all our stakeholders in getting to this point.
“It has been an extremely trying time but thanks to Vodacom, SuperSport and the seven teams involved we are able to resume rugby with a really exciting series of matches featuring the best players in the country.
“We have had to make some major format changes and look at creative ways to look after everyone’s needs but we think between now and the end of the season – which will only be in January next year – we will provide rugby and entertainment to excite the fans once more.”
The competition concludes on the weekend of November 20.
The team at the top of the standings at this stage of the season will be crowned Super Rugby Unlocked champions, after which all log points will be transferred to the Currie Cup (fixtures to be announced at a later stage).
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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