Rugby Union is a full-contact team sport played with an oval-shaped ball. It is one of the most popular sports in many countries, including the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, and many others. Rugby Union is governed by World Rugby, formerly known as the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The game is played between two teams of 15 players each, with the objective being to score more points than the opposition by carrying the ball over the opposition's try line or by kicking the ball over the crossbar of the opposition's goalposts. Players can carry or pass the ball, but can only pass it backward to their teammates.
Rugby Union is a physical sport, with players using their bodies to tackle and block their opponents. However, there are strict rules in place to ensure player safety, and foul play is not tolerated.
The sport has a rich history and is steeped in tradition, with many international rivalries and iconic moments. The Rugby World Cup, held every four years, is the pinnacle of the sport, featuring the best teams from around the world competing for the title of world champion.
Rugby Union is broadcast on major television networks and cable channels around the world, and is also available for streaming on various official platforms. The sport has a dedicated fan base, with millions of people tuning in to watch matches live or online each week.
Super Rugby is a professional rugby union competition involving teams from various countries in the Southern Hemisphere. It is organized by the governing body of rugby union in the Southern Hemisphere, SANZAAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina Rugby).
Super Rugby was first introduced in 1996 as the Super 12, featuring 12 teams from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. It later expanded to 14 teams and was renamed the Super 14, before expanding further to 15 teams and being renamed Super Rugby.
In 2020, the competition was restructured, reducing the number of teams to 14 and shifting to a conference system. The teams are divided into three conferences: the Australian Conference, the New Zealand Conference, and the South African Conference, with teams playing home and away matches within their conference and against teams from the other conferences.
The season runs from February to July, with the playoffs taking place in July and August. The competition features some of the best rugby talent in the world, with high-quality matches played in front of passionate crowds.
Super Rugby matches are broadcast on major television networks and cable channels around the world, and are also available for streaming on various official platforms. The competition has a dedicated fan base, with millions of people tuning in to watch matches live or online each week.