The Super 15 competition consists of five state rugby teams from Australia (Queensland Reds, New South Wales Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Western Australia Force and Melbourne Rebels), five New Zealand rugby franchises, (the Auckland Blues, Waikato Chiefs, Wellington Hurricanes, Canterbury Crusaders, and Otago Highlanders), and five rugby teams from South Africa (Cheetahs, Stormers, Sharks, Lions, Bulls).

In the Super 15 teams will be grouped in to "conferences" (the 5 Aussie teams, the 5 Kiwi teams and the 5 SAF teams). Instead of 13 games there will now be 16, but 12 of each teams' games will be played in their own country.

The top team from each conference plus the next 3 highest ranked teams (based on points) go to the 3 weeks of finals.

In week 1 of the finals (20/21 July 2012), the 3rd ranked plays the 6th and the 4th ranked plays the 5th (eliminations). In the semifinals (27/28 July) the first ranked in the standings plays the lowest ranked qualifier and the second ranked in the standings plays the highest ranked qualifier go figure!)

The final out of all that is on Saturday 4th August

The Super 15 kicks off on February 24th 2012 and the final will be on 4 August 2012.

The 2011 Super 15 was won by the Queensland Reds after beating the Canterbury Crusaders (who played no home games during the whole season because of the Christchurch earthquake)

To get ready for the 2012 Super 15, start supporting your favourite team by purchasing their rugby gear here!!!

For travel information about travel in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, go to our travel pages.