'We can be contenders': ACT Brumbies prop Tom Ross eyes Super Rugby Trans-Tasman improvement

Super Rugby is set for another dramatic facelift next year as officials work through a revamped competition structure for a full Trans-Tasman tournament.

Rugby bosses are planning on a 17 or 18-week season in 2022, boasting 10 to 12 teams pending the inclusion of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.

Australia's Super Rugby sides combined for just two wins - one apiece to the Brumbies and Queensland Reds - throughout the five-team cross-border competition.

All five New Zealand sides occupied the top half of the ladder, with the Auckland Blues to host the Otago Highlanders in the competition final at Eden Park on Saturday.

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But re-signed tighthead prop Ross believes the fortunes of Australia's five franchises can be reversed next year with more exposure against the highly-fancied provincial outfits in New Zealand.

"A big philosophy here is we want to be the world's best, and playing those New Zealand teams, we know they're probably up there with the world's best," Ross said.

"It's a good chance to compare ourselves to what we want to achieve. Obviously this year was a bit disappointing, but we'll train hard over the off-season and we'll be ready for next year.

"I feel like when we're on, we can definitely be contenders in that comp. With the New Zealand teams, you can't let the foot off the pedal at any stage in the game, that's where they hurt you.

"You let off for two or three minutes and they put three or four tries on you. We'll be better next year and more prepared, and I'm excited for what's to come."

Ross has re-signed with the Brumbies until the end of the 2023 season in a major boost for the club which has now locked away another of its local juniors.

Now the 23-year-old has set his sights on pushing Wallabies prop and Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa for more minutes and potentially a starting berth throughout what promises to be a gruelling campaign.

Ross is coming off the best season of his short Super Rugby career but believes he has plenty more in the tank as he forms part of a front-row boasting a host of Wallabies in Alaalatoa, Scott Sio, James Slipper and Folau Fainga'a.

"[Alaalatoa] is ready to compete at training, he's always pushing you. Rather than me being the young kid anymore, he's giving me tough love, really trying to push me and make me compete," Ross said.

"I feel like I've matured as a player definitely, I've proved I'm no longer one of the young boys. Obviously next year it's pushing for spots and more minutes.

"This year has been a learning curve, I obviously had the injury midway through the season that kind of halted things a bit. You've just got to stay positive, get back on the horse and train your arse off to get back to where you are now.

"I was pretty hungry before that injury and it kind of eased a lot of pressure off [on other players] which was annoying. I felt like I was going pretty well and then eased the tension. I learnt you can't lose that hunger. I was only out for four weeks and I was still hungry to get back on the park and compete."

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