Rugby Australia has today announced an alteration to the fixture schedule for the 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU season.
Round Three’s clash between Melbourne Rebels and Brumbies will now be played at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday 6 March at 7.45pm AEDT, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport as well as simulcast live on 9Gem.
The reverse fixture between the two sides in Round Nine will be played at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday 18 April, ad-free, live and on demand from 2pm AEST on Stan’s new add-on sports package, Stan Sport.
This home game fixture swap is to ensure the integrity of the competition with some domestic border restrictions in place between States and guarantees all teams their original home game allocation.
The fixture change was done in consultation with Rugby Australia’s Return to Play Committee, the Australian Super Rugby teams and broadcasters, Nine and Stan Sport.
Melbourne Rebels Chief Executive Baden Stephenson said: “I want to thank Phil (Thomson) and the Brumbies, the Rugby Australia Return to Play Committee and our broadcast partners in Nine and Stan for their flexibility and support over the last few weeks.
“We can’t wait to get back to Melbourne for our home game against the Waratahs in Round Five and play in front of the Rebels faithful at the Stockade.
“I also want to acknowledge our partners, and the Rebels players, staff and families for their continual sacrifice and tireless efforts for the benefit of the competition as a whole,” Stephenson said.
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Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels said: “I would like to echo Baden’s comments and pay special tribute to the families and friends of the Rebels playing group.
“They sacrificed so much last year and we’re very grateful for their love and support. We can’t wait to get home and play in front of you over the back half of the season,” Wessels said.
Plus500 Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said: “When approached by the Rebels and Rugby Australia regarding the fixture swap, we were more than happy to agree in swapping our home and away matches to ensure the competition was not disrupted."
"From our point of view we now have three terrific home games in a row against the Waratahs this weekend, the Rebels the following week and then the Reds in Round Four, which is First Nations Round.
"This is really exciting for our members, supporters and partners and I look forward to seeing everyone out at GIO Stadium over the next three weeks."
Updated Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU fixtures
Round 3
Saturday 6 March, Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels, GIO Stadium, 7.45pm AEDT
Round 9
Sunday 18 April, Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies, AAMI Park, 2.00pm AEST
