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he 2021 Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU season has recorded average domestic television ratings up an average of 144% across the regular season year-on-year.

The ratings do not include the numbers for the Stan Sport platform, and come ahead of the Finals series, culminating in the Final on Saturday 8 May at Suncorp Stadium.

Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos, said the figures have been exciting and the upcoming Trans-Tasman competition will help extend the success even further.

“We’ve been thrilled with the television audience figures so far and can’t wait to see it build over the next fortnight and into Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman,” Marinos said.

“I want to thank Mike Sneesby and Brent Williams as well as the rest of the team at Nine and Stan for their enthusiasm and passion for Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU.

“If the regular season was anything to go by, we are in for a spectacular Finals.

“Despite the snap lockdown, Perth was absolutely buzzing on Friday night after the Western Force’s victory over the Reds, and they will be heading to Canberra full of momentum and confidence against the defending Champions.

“The increased exposure has also directly benefited our community game with participation up 16.4% from the same time in 2019, and the seasons are only just beginning around the country.

“The coverage has also been fantastic for our sponsors and attracted new interest from potential partners as well, not just for Rugby Australia but the Australia Super Rugby sides and clubs as well.

“And this is just the beginning!

“There’s an action-packed six weeks of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Trans-Tasman just around the corner with kick-off on 14 May before the Wallabies Test season,” he said.

Despite restrictions still in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby Australia also revealed the round eight matchup between the Queensland Reds and the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium drew the biggest Super Rugby crowd in more than five years.