Joint venture partners New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Rugby Australia (RA) have announced the draw for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, with the Brumbies set to kick-off their campaign against Moana Pasifika in Auckland, Friday February 18.
The historic round one match will be followed by Super Round in Melbourne, which will see all teams play in one location, the Brumbies taking on the Rebels on their home patch on Sunday at 4pm.
Dan McKellar’s side will have seven home fixtures in the inaugural season of Super Rugby Pacific:
Three Saturday fixtures: NSW Waratahs (7.45pm), Hurricanes (2.35pm), Crusaders (7.45pm)
Two Friday fixtures: Queensland Reds, Blues (7.45pm)
Sunday fixture: Western Force (2pm)
Date and time to be confirmed: round Six vs Chiefs
The Brumbies will welcome traditional rivals, the NSW Waratahs to GIO Stadium for their first home game in round three on Saturday 5 March, which will also see the competition celebrate Women in Rugby round.
Round five will be the Brumbies’ first Saturday 2.35pm fixture at GIO Stadium, with the Hurricanes coming to Canberra for a battle of the capital cities.
The date and time for the Brumbies round six home game against the Chiefs is still to be confirmed. Round six will also be Culture Round across the competition.
The Brumbies will then face three straight games on the road and the bye after round seven before hosting the Queensland Reds for round 11 at GIO Stadium for the second of two rivalry clashes between the sides in 2022.
A Sunday 2pm kick-off will delight Brumbies fans with the club hosting the Western Force at GIO Stadium on Sunday 8 May.
The Brumbies will close out the regular season with two blockbuster fixtures at GIO Stadium. First up, the Crusaders on Saturday 21 May followed by the Blues on Friday 27 May.
The top eight at the end of the regular season will then compete in a Finals Series which will kick-off in the first week of June.
Plus500 Brumbies CEO, Phil Thomson said: "We're happy to be able to share the draw with our members, key stakeholders and our partners, ahead of what is set to be a very exciting and entertaining Super Rugby Pacific competition."
"Hopefully having a couple of afternoon kick-offs as part of our seven home games, will make it a bit easier for families to come and enjoy watching the Brumbies at GIO Stadium.
"We will confirm the date and time for our round six fixture against the Chiefs as soon as possible and the club will continue to engage with our members and supporters on the details of that home fixture."
Plus500 Brumbies head coach, Dan McKellar said: “It’s great to have the draw in our hands now and I think it’s one which shows the potential of Super Rugby Pacific.”
“When you look at it, there’s no easy games, every one has meaning and there’s the potential to create rivalries and tribalism that our supporters and fans of rugby in this part of the world really embrace.
“There’s a lot to be excited about with seven home games and a couple of afternoon kicks-off.On the road we get to be part of an historic day for Moana Pasifika in their first ever fixture, in what will be an occasion the Brumbies will be proud to be part of.
“For the players and coaching staff, it’s about improving every day so that we can meet the challenge of this competition and have a memorable year for the club and its supporters."
Moana Pasifika vs Brumbies
Friday 18 February, 5.05pm AEDT
Mt. Smart Stadium Auckland
Melbourne Rebels vs Brumbies
Sunday 27 February, 4.00pm AEDT
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs
Saturday 5 March, 7.45pm AEDT
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Queensland Reds vs Brumbies
Saturday 12 March, 7.30pm AEDT
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Brumbies vs Hurricanes
Saturday 19 March, 2.00pm AEDT
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Brumbies vs Chiefs
TBC
Western Force vs Brumbies
Friday 1 April, 9.00pm AEDT
HBF Park, Perth
Fijian Drua vs Brumbies
Friday 15 April, 7.45pm AEST
TBC
Highlanders vs Brumbies
Friday 22 April, 5.05pm AEST
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Brumbies vs Queensland Reds
Friday 29 April, 7.00pm AEST
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Brumbies vs Western Force
Sunday 8 May, 2.00pm AEST
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Chiefs vs Brumbies
Saturday 14 May, 2.35pm AEST
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Brumbies vs Crusaders
Saturday 21 May, 7.45pm AEST
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Brumbies vs Blues
Friday 27 May, 7.45pm AEST
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Eight team playoffs format (QFs: 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5)
3/4 June
10/11 June
18 June
