Rugby Australia (RA) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have secured the future of Super Rugby after signing an extension that runs until 2030.

The partnership will also see the introduction of a new board that will oversee Rugby Australia, New Zealand Rugby and both organisations’ player associations, and will be chaired by an independent chairperson.

Commenting on the extension, RA CEO, Andy Marinos, said: “Today marks the dawn of a new era of Super Rugby within our region.”

“Securing this long-term partnership provides stability and continuity that the competition and Super Rugby clubs need to enable Rugby to grow in stature and importance across the region.

“RA and NZR are committed to the development of the most exciting form of Rugby in the world, through trialling and implementing new rules, new ways of engaging fans and broadcast innovations with our partners.

“The partnership will enable our players, clubs and partners to plan ahead with certainty in a competition that we are sure will feature some of the best Rugby in the world,” he said.

NZR CEO, Mark Robinson, added: “This long-term agreement provides certainty for players, coaches, fans, sponsors and broadcast partners and it solidifies our joint commitment to ensuring Super Rugby Pacific is the most entertaining, innovative, and fan-focused cross-border club competition in the world.”

“We charted a new path with the introduction of Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua this year and having all 91 games played in regional time zones, and believe we have entered an exciting new era for rugby in the Pacific region,” he said.

Additionally, RA and NZR also confirmed their intentions to continue looking at options to adapt and adjust over time, which includes the potential expansion of the competition.

The announcement comes after the reports surfaced of a potential split between the pair due to a AUD$60 million broadcast agreement imbalance.