At least half of the ACT Brumbies' matches will be live on the Nine Network in 2021 as they look to defend their Super Rugby AU title, following the release of the Australian draw on Wednesday.
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The Brumbies will launch their season away against the Western Force on February 19, in what will be their first trip to Perth since 2017.
The new broadcast agreement with Nine Entertainment will see four of the Brumbies' regular round matches shown live on free-to-air television.
The Brumbies will play four matches on a Saturday night, including two home matches at Canberra Stadium against the NSW Waratahs (February 27) and Queensland Reds (March 13).
Their remaining Friday-night matches will be live and ad-free on new streaming platform Stan Sport.
Kick-off times and the venue of the Brumbies' round-seven clash with NSW are yet to be confirmed.
Each of Australia's five teams will play a home-and-away series, plus two byes, in a 10-round regular season before finals.
In a repeat of this year's format, the title decider will be hosted on May 8 by the first-placed team. They'll meet the winner of a two-versus-three qualifying final.
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Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson said it has been an exciting week for the club and rugby in Australia.
"Having a broadcast deal and a draw in place gives us a level of certainty to plan towards, and we hope to have news on a trans-Tasman competition shortly," Thomson said.
"Once all details are in place, including kick-off times and all ground allocations, we will have more information for our Brumbies family about memberships and ticketing for the 2021 season."
Rugby Australia is also working with their New Zealand counterparts for a cross-over competition to take place following the 2021 season. An announcement of its details will be made shortly.
Super Rugby Aotearoa will finish on the same weekend as the Australian domestic competition, with a winner takes all final on May 8.
Brumbies 2020 Super Rugby AU fixtures
Round 1 Western Force v Brumbies, Friday 19 February, Perth Oval, Perth
Round 2 Brumbies v NSW Waratahs, Saturday 27 February, Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Round 3 Melbourne Rebels v Brumbies, Saturday 6 March, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Round 4 Brumbies v Queensland Reds, Saturday 13 March, Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Round 5 Bye
Round 6 Brumbies v Western Force, Friday 26 March, Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Round 7 NSW Waratahs v Brumbies, Friday 2 April, Venue TBC
Round 8 Queensland Reds v Brumbies, Saturday 10 April, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Round 9 Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels, Friday 16 April, Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Round 10 Bye
Qualifying Final Saturday 1 May
Final Saturday 8 May
*All kick off times to be confirmed
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
