Why Aussies can't match NZ's Super Rugby Aotearoa‎

NEWS: Australia's Super Rugby AU will not only be behind New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa‎ in playing quality, but also in crowd numbers.

In a statement on Friday, the Brumbies confirmed that there will be crowd restrictions for their opening match against the Melbourne Rebels.

Other Australian teams are also set to limit crowd numbers when it's their turn to host matches.

It's a far cry from NZ's Super Rugby Aotearoa‎ who had packed stadiums for their opening round, which is set to continue for the rest of the tournament.

"Between 1000 - 1500 spectators will be permitted to attend the Brumbies opening fixture of Super Rugby AU against the Melbourne Rebels 4 July at GIO Stadium," the Brumbies said in a statement.

"Paying Brumbies members will be contacted via email and will have the opportunity to enter into a ballot system for tickets, from which the permitted number of spectators will be drawn at random.

"A limited number of Corporate Hospitality attendees will also be permitted under ACT COVID-19 restrictions.

"More attendees are likely to be allowed in ground for the Brumbies second home Super Rugby AU fixture against the Reds 1 August, subject to further easing of restrictions from the ACT Government."

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Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson said: "We’re really happy that we will be able to have some of our members at our first game of the Super Rugby AU competition.

"We’d like to thank the ACT Chief Health Officer and the ACT Government for their support in allowing this to happen.

“We’re hopeful we will be able to have more of our members and supporters at games throughout the season."