Super Rugby will make its first start to a season in the competition’s history , with the game to be held in January.
Auckland Blues will host the Waikato Chiefs on January 31 at the season opener and also also the tournament will operate uninterrupted until July, once the new global Test window begins.
In previous Cup decades, the hemisphere competition chose a break to accommodate an window June before resuming in early July.
“An sooner than usual start was required to get through this 21-week championship and offer the national teams with a transparent week leading in the July test collection,” said Andy Marinos, the first executive director of regulating body SANZAAR.
The 2020 Super Rugby season will also be the final season for Japan’s Sunwolves following SANZAAR cut on them following the Japan Rugby Union’s decision to withdraw their support of the team.
It is going to be the final year of the conference system, with a format to return in 2021.
When they face Waratahs reigning champions Crusaders will begin their bid for a fourth title on February 1.
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