The southern hemisphere’s premier club competition, with three conferences of five teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Argentina.
Crusaders have made a statement of intent as they blanked out Rebels 39-0 in the latest round of the Super Rugby Pacific in Christchurch on Friday.
Super Rugby Pacific board has confirmed Jack Mesley as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Australia have suffered a setback ahead of the Test series against Wales with centre Jordan Petaia sidelined by a shoulder injury.