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Super Rugby

Super Rugby is a professional men's rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Super Rugby is a professional men's rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere. Administered by SANZAAR, the tournament began in 1996 as the Super 12. It currently features teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, while previous editions included franchises from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa.

History

Super Rugby originated in 1996 as the Super 12, following earlier Southern Hemisphere competitions. It later expanded to 14 teams, becoming the Super 14, and then to 15 teams as the Super 15, before adopting the current name Super Rugby.

Format and membership

The competition is organized as a professional club or franchise tournament rather than a national-team event. Its membership has changed over time, with current participation centered in Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Administration

SANZAAR administers Super Rugby. The body is associated with the rugby unions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina.

Previous participants

Earlier editions of Super Rugby included franchises from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa. The competition has therefore undergone several structural changes since its inception.

Key facts

  • Super Rugby is a professional men's rugby union competition.
  • The competition began in 1996 as Super 12 and later known as Super 14, Super 15, and now Super Rugby.
  • SANZAAR administers the competition.
  • Current teams come from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
  • Teams from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa have competed in earlier versions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Super Rugby?
Super Rugby is a professional men's rugby union competition in the Southern Hemisphere featuring club or franchise teams.
When was Super Rugby founded?
It began in 1996 as Super 12.
Who administers Super Rugby?
SANZAAR administers the competition.
Which countries are represented now?
Current teams come from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Which countries have competed in the past?
Argentina, Japan, and South Africa have appeared in earlier versions of the competition.
What were the former names of Super Rugby?
It has been known as Super 12, Super 14, and Super 15.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Rugby
    Supports: General description, current participating countries, former participating countries, and SANZAAR administration.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%BAper_Rugby
    Supports: Former names, 1996 origins, and historical participation of South Africa, Argentina, and Japan.
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Rugby
    Supports: Current franchise distribution, 1996 start as Super 12, and later competition structure.
  4. Wikipedia (Russian) — https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A1%D1%83%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80_12
    Supports: Historical overview, 1996 launch, and SANZAAR as administrator.