2019 #SuperSeason Launches In Sydney

Tue, Feb 5, 2019, 1:00 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
2019 #SuperSeason Launch. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
2019 #SuperSeason Launch. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

In a historic first the 2019 #SuperSeason was officially launched in Sydney today with Vodafone Super Rugby and Buildcorp Super W teams sharing the spotlight.

Australian Super Rugby stars Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs), Jordan Uelese (Melbourne Rebels), Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) and Samu Kerevi (Queensland Reds), were joined by Super W headliners Michelle Milward (Brumbies), Mhicca Carter (Rugby WA), Meretiana Robinson (Melbourne Rebels), Ash Hewson (NSW) and Lori Cramer (Queensland) at the event in Sydney.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said the 2019 media launch was a special occasion to kick off the much-anticipated men’s and women’s ‘Super’ seasons in a Rugby World Cup year.

‘’Our game-changing national women’s XVs competition, Buildcorp Super W returns on February 23 and we can’t wait to see how far each team has come with a huge pre-season under their belts after a fantastic inaugural season in 2018.

‘’But before the women get cracking, Vodafone Super Rugby returns next weekend where our players will not only be playing for team glory but also wanting to put their best foot forward to secure a place in the World Cup squad with the Qantas Wallabies at the end of the year.

‘’On behalf of Rugby Australia I’d like to thank our broadcast partners Fox Sports and Network Ten, our naming rights partners Vodafone and Buildcorp, and all of our tournament partners for their ongoing support,” said Castle.

Vodafone Chief Commercial Officer Ben McIntosh said Vodafone is proud to once again support the Australian Super Rugby teams as the official naming rights partner.   ''We’ve witnessed some spectacular moments since coming on board as a sponsor and we have no doubt that 2019 will serve up a great mix of athleticism, skill and community spirit,’' said McIntosh.

Australian Women’s Rugby President and Buildcorp Principal, Josephine Sukkar said: “Thanks to the first season of the Buildcorp Super W, we are thrilled to see the player development pathway well and truly in action and a 20% increase in women’s Rugby XVs participation.

“Whether in sport or business, Buildcorp continues to support balanced teams and invest in pathway opportunities for men and women at different stages of their careers, creating a stronger pipeline from the grassroots to the top,” said Sukka.

The Vodafone Super Rugby season kicks off in just ten sleeps when the Brumbies take on the Melbourne Rebels on home turf at GIO Stadium on Friday 15 February. Exactly 24 hours later the NSW Waratahs will open their season against the Hurricanes at Brookvale Oval in Sydney.

Every Vodafone Super Rugby match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Australia and streamed live on Kayo Sports while Network Ten will broadcast a full replay of one Australian Vodafone Super Rugby match each Sunday morning on ONE.

The Buildcorp Super W action kicks off the following week on Saturday February 23 with the inaugural champions New South Wales taking on the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

The following Sunday the Melbourne Rebels Women take on the 2018 runners-up, Queensland on home soil at Box Hill Rugby Club while a new look Rugby WA Women’s side will kick off their campaign in round two. 

Once again in 2019 the women of Super W will share the biggest stage with their male Super Rugby counterparts, with three blockbuster double-header match days to feature across the season.

All Buildcorp Super W matches will be streamed live on Kayo Sports while Fox Sports Australia will replay every double-header clash. Fans will also be able to stream every Buildcorp Super W match online via RUGBY.com.au and the Rugby Xplorer App.

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