MELBOURNE (Reuters) – The Blues will kick off their Super Rugby Pacific title defence in 2025 with a Grand Final re-match at Eden Park against the Chiefs on Feb. 15.
The Blues thrashed the Chiefs 41-10 in the all-New Zealand decider in June to claim their fourth Super Rugby title and first since 2003.
The 16-round regular season launches on Feb. 14 with the Crusaders hosting the Hurricanes in Christchurch before the New South Wales Waratahs meet the Highlanders in Sydney.
Fijian Drua host the Brumbies in Sydney on Feb. 15, while Western Force play Moana Pasifika in Perth, according to the draw released on Monday.
The Queensland Reds have a bye in the opening round.
The 11 teams play seven home and seven away matches in the regular season, with two byes.
With the Melbourne Rebels cut after the 2024 season due to financial problems, 2025 will have a revamped six-team playoff system.
The three-week playoffs start in June.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Michael Perry)
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