Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed 'Super Round' will return to Melbourne in 2023.
The concept was introduced as part of the new competition, which shifted to April after COVID caused havoc at the start of the season.
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It will see Melbourne host all 12 teams in Round Two, taking place at AAMI Park from March 3-5.
The defending Super Rugby Pacific champions Crusaders will open proceedings against the Highlanders, followed by the Rebels facing the Hurricanes.
This will be followed on Saturday by the two recent expansion sides, Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua, taking on the Chiefs and Waratahs respectively.
A blockbuster semi-final rematch headlines Sunday with the Blues facing the Brumbies whilst the Force and Reds close out the three-day event.
“For sporting fans across the world and the nation, there’s no better place to be than in Victoria over the next week - and next year will be even bigger with the return of a weekend-long festival of Super Rugby in 2023," Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said in a statement.
“Our year-round calendar of world-class events will be even better with the addition of Super Round Melbourne in 2023, which is set to draw thousands of interstate and international visitors to Victoria.”
With more than 30,000 rugby fans attending the first ever Super Round over the ANZAC weekend, SAZAAR CEO Brendan Morris remained confident they can build on it whilst 'building on the lessons of last year.'
“It is fantastic that based on last year’s success we are heading to Melbourne once again for Super Round," Morris believes.
"The concept of having all the matches at one venue, in one city, over a single weekend is a big attraction for the tournament and is appealing to our fans.
"We are building on the lessons of last year to deliver an even bigger Super Round in March next year in Melbourne.
"The teams and players are all focussed on Super Round and are all enthusiastically behind the event which showcases some of the best rugby players in the world, and all that is good about rugby in the Pacific.”
“Super Round Melbourne is quickly establishing itself as one of the pinnacle Rugby events on the sporting calendar. To bring all 12 teams to Melbourne is an incredibly unique opportunity for fans to see their heroes in one place over one weekend,” TEG CEO Geoff Jones added.
“We look forward to creating a hugely exciting festival of rugby and welcome fans from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. This weekend will showcase the very best of Super Rugby Pacific.”
Super Round Match Schedule:
Friday 3 March
Crusaders v Highlanders, 6.00pm
Melbourne Rebels v Hurricanes, 8.10pm
Saturday 4 March
Moana Pasifika v Chiefs, 5.05pm
Fijian Drua v Waratahs, 7.45pm
Sunday 5 March
Blues v Brumbies, 2.00pm
Force v Reds, 4.30pm
