SANZAAR announces revamped format for knock-out stages of 2025 Super Rugby season

SANZAAR have announced a revamped format for the knock out stages of the upcoming 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

The changes follows after Melbourne Rebels have been axed from the competition as they entered into administration following financial woes reducing the total teams in the competition to 11.

The tournament will kick-off on 14th February and will feature 16 rounds which means each team will play 14 regular round matches.

The top six teams in the table after the regular round will move to the play-offs that will be played across three rounds with the winner of the three knock out games will progress to the semi-final with the fourth team to be decided by highest-ranked losing team which is described as 'lucky loser'.

The winner of the semi-finals will be competing in the final which will be hosted by the higher-seeded team.

“We’re thrilled to reveal the revamped structure, some new features and the start date for the next season of Super Rugby Pacific," he told in a statement released.

“The fans are always front of mind and while the full draw will be released soon, we wanted to give them an early insight into what they can look forward to in 2025.

“The introduction of three Sunday afternoon fixtures will make it easier for families to experience the excitement of the Super Rugby Pacific, and we can look to build on that offering in future seasons.

“We’re particularly excited about the new Finals Series, which is designed to produce highly competitive matchups while still rewarding the teams that finish at the top of the table.”