The NSW Waratahs have confirmed their home venues for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, set to make Leichhardt Oval their primary home.
The ground will host five of their seven home games, with the Sydney Football Stadium still under redevelopment until the end of 2022.
CommBank Stadium (formally Bankwest Stadium) will host their first game of the season against Fijian Drua on February 18, which will mark the visitors' inaugural Super Rugby game.
Following welcoming the Reds to Leichhardt for round two, they will take their round five clash against the Rebels on March 19 to the SCG, with remaining home games hosted at the inner-west venue.
Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn believes the move allows them to build a consistent base for 2022 after being forced into changes as a result of a revamped Super Rugby draw.
“As we navigate the final season away from our brand-new home at the Sydney Football Stadium, we are excited to lock in Leichhardt Oval for five of our seven fixtures,” Doorn said in a statement.
“The decision to host most of our fixtures at Leichhardt Oval provides an opportunity for a consistent game day experience for our members and partners at one of the most iconic small grounds in NSW.
“We have worked closely with Venues NSW and look forward to hosting the Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium for their first ever Super Rugby match in Round 1, as well as returning to one of the most iconic venues in world sports, the SCG, to face the Rebels.
“After years of splitting games across the greater Sydney Metropolitan Area and Regional NSW we are excited to build a real sense of a home venue for the side at Leichhardt Oval in 2022.
“I’d like to thank our members, fans, and Venues NSW for their continued support of the team throughout the re-development of the Sydney Football Stadium.”
Waratahs 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Fixtures:
Round 1: Waratahs v Fijian Drua, Friday 18 February, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Round 2: Waratahs v Reds, Friday 25 February, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Round 3: Brumbies v Waratahs, Saturday 5 March, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Round 4: Force v Waratahs, Friday 11 March, HBF Park, Perth
Round 5: Waratahs v Rebels, Saturday 19 March, Sydney Cricket Ground
Round 6: Reds v Waratahs, Saturday 26 March, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 7: Fijian Drua v Waratahs, Friday 1 April, Venue TBC
Round 8: BYE
Round 9: Waratahs v Force, Saturday 16 April, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Round 10: Chiefs v Waratahs, Friday 22 April, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Round 11: Waratahs v Crusaders, Saturday 30 April, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Round 12: Moana Pasifika v Waratahs, Saturday 7 May, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Round 13: Waratahs v Hurricanes, Saturday 14 May, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Round 14: Highlanders v Waratahs, Sunday 21 May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Round 15: Waratahs v Blues, Saturday 28 May, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
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