Super Rugby

Humility the touchstone for Pasitoa as rugby dream begins with the Brumbies

He thinks.

If he’s being honest, Pasitoa doesn't know the detail because there was never a decision to be made between the two. He had never planned to go.

That’s what happens when you’re signed by a Super Rugby franchise while still in year 11 and have been eyeing off the slow arrival of your dream for a year.

"Week one of pre-season for me was, I believe, the week of schoolies for Queensland students,” Pasitoa said.

"But that’s cool, I would much rather be doing what I am doing. I am very grateful for the opportunity here.”

Brumbies forced to move training over 400km away from team base due to air conditions from bushfires

The franchise's facilities at the University of Canberra have been closed indefinitely as the bushfires devastating Australia cast a smoky pall over the nation's capital.

Some air quality stations in Canberra have been returning readings nearly three times above extremely hazardous levels.

With players set to return to training on Monday, ahead of round one in less than four weeks, the Brumbies said the air quality had become a player welfare issue.

Hurricanes announce new head coach in the wake of John Plumtree's promotion to the All Blacks

Holland, who has been a successful and widely respected assistant coach at the Hurricanes since 2016, takes over his new role with immediate effect.

The 47-year-old has helped the Hurricanes make the Investec Super Rugby play-offs in every season he has been involved with the club, first as an assistant to Chris Boyd and then with Plumtree at the helm in 2019.

The former Manawatu and Taranaki representative enjoyed a successful playing career in New Zealand before he made 102 appearances for top Ireland club Munster between 1999 and 2008.

Stormers retain Kolisi and Du Toit

Flanker Kolisi, who captained the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in November, and World Rugby Player of the Year Du Toit have committed their futures to the Cape Town-based Super Rugby side until 2021.

Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, Frans Malherbe, Damian Willemse and Dillyn Leyds will also remain with the Stormers.

They finished bottom of the South African standings in 2019 and head coach John Dobson knows they must realise their potential after securing the services of such key men.

Brumbies flip the switch with 2020 away jersey

While their regular jersey is almost identical to that of 2019 they revealed a new-look yellow alternate kit that is a  far cry from last year's mainly blue strip.

The Brumbies wore a yellow jersey back in 2016 but have opted for predominantly blue away jerseys since then.

Next season's away kit is a dark gold with textured amber stripes across the main panel, with navy sleeves and side panels.

This year's return to yellow was in response to positive feedback over the look of the kit that the Brumbies reserves side, Brumbies Runners, wore in matches in 2019.

Newly Wallabies-eligible winger signs bumper deal with Reds

24-year-old Filipo Daugunu has signed a four-year deal with the Queensland team which could see him press his case for selection in the Wallabies.

Daugunu is finally eligible for the national side after moving to Australia three years ago and signing on with the Reds gives the former football goal-keeper a straightforward run to the Wallabies.

“I’m very happy to stay at Queensland,” Daugunu has said of his new contract.

All Black Ardie Savea to undergo surgery

He is the second marquee player to be missing from the Wellington Hurricanes after All Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett transferred to the Auckland Blues.

Savea, a finalist for the world player of the year, revealed the extent of the knee injury in an Instagram post when he said he could be sidelined for up to six months.

"Thought I'd let you guys know that I'll be getting surgery on my knee that I injured in the semi-final," Savea said.

"Unfortunately will be out for 5-6 months so will miss the majority of the Super Rugby season with my Canes brothers.

Crusaders keep name but reveal new logo design

New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders held a press conference in Christchurch on Friday afternoon, concluding the extensive brand review the franchise committed to in June.

Crusaders board chairman Grant Jarrold, Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge, and New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum, confirmed the 10-times Super Rugby champions would not change their name from 2021, and would instead "reclaim its meaning through a new brand".

Fiji Airways extends Crusaders sponsorship

The partnership will see Fiji Airways feature on the front of the Crusaders’ away jerseys from 2020.

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said this will be the first time the Crusaders has had a separate front-of-jersey sponsor for their home and away jerseys, and they are thrilled the team’s away jerseys will feature the Fiji Airways brand from 2020.

Mansbridge added the Crusaders largest fan base outside of New Zealand is in Fiji, which is unsurprising given the overwhelming support they have from local fans whenever the team has played a Super Rugby match in Suva.

Cruden confirms 2020 Super Rugby return with the Chiefs

The 30-year-old Cruden, will return home from France after signing a one-year deal with the Chiefs.

Head Coach Warren Gatland suggested the first five-eighth would slot into the first-choice playmaking role, potentially leaving game-breaking All Black Damian McKenzie to be restored as the team's fullback.

McKenzie shone at five-eighth for the Chiefs in 2018 but a serious early-season knee injury ruined this year's campaign and robbed him of World Cup selection.