This was confirmed this morning by the organisers of the domestic tournament in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

It will be the first sporting event in the world that will see supporters in attendance since the resumption of sport following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the first game kicks off on Saturday morning when the Highlanders host the Chiefs in Dunedin, and the coach, Aaron Mauger, feels that they are ready.

“There is good belief in this group, but we don’t want to talk it up too much because we’ve still got to go and do it.

“It is not until we go and starting playing games that we will know exactly where we are at.

“Now it up to us to keep paring well and get out and hit the ground running in game one against the Chiefs.”

This game will kick-off at 7:05 and on Sunday morning at 5:05 the Blues entertain the Hurricanes in Auckland.

The multiple Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders, will enjoy a first-round bye.

Both games this weekend will be televised in South Africa as well.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport