The NSW Waratahs have locked in their home grounds for the 2021 Super Rugby AU season, with Rob Penney’s side to play out of three venues across their domestic campaign.
The announcement comes following extensive conversations between the Waratahs and their stadium partner, Venues NSW in relation to the availability of grounds amidst the Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) redevelopment.
The Waratahs will host games out of Bankwest Stadium, Stadium Australia and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
It had been confirmed at the announcement of the Super Rugby AU draw that the Waratahs would be playing out of the Sydney Metropolitan Area, having previously taken games across New South Wales.
With venues for the AU competition now confirmed, the Waratahs will now turn their attention to locking in locations for their two Super Rugby Trans-Tasman clashes on home soil.
NSW Rugby CEO, Paul Doorn said it had been a challenge to finalise venues amidst a congested Sydney sporting market.
“We made it clear from the outset [of 2021 draw announcement] that we’d be staying in Sydney for our home games this season due to the logistics of travelling whilst the threat of COVID still lingers,” Doorn.
“Despite the number of stadiums within the Sydney Metropolitan Area, it’s been difficult to find availabilities that suit due to various codes locking in their 2021 draws.
“Many of those stadiums have long-term tenants already in place and a commitment to give them priority, which we completely respect.
“Venues NSW have been extremely helpful throughout this process and have the unenviable job of managing several codes within the SCG while the redevelopment next door continues.”
NSWRU General Manager of Business Operations, Adam Fulepp said that there were several factors that come into finalising venues.
“We’re all extremely excited about the prospect of a new state-of-the-art home ground,” Fulepp said.
“In the meantime, we need to work closely with stadium providers to lock in venues across both competitions – taking in a number of factors as part of our decision-making.
“We understand there are grounds around Sydney that fans enjoy watching rugby from, but in many cases they aren’t available or don’t have the necessary facilities we require for a Super Rugby fixture.
“Priority has also been given to venues with allocated seating throughout, given the uncertainty of COVID, and the ability for us to operate safely and efficiently during the season should government restrictions change.
“We’ll now be working with Venues NSW in relation to the Trans-Tasman competition, with announcement to come in the coming weeks.”
NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AU home venues:
Round 3 v Western Force, Friday 5 March, Bankwest Stadium
Round 5 v Reds, Saturday 27 March, Stadium Australia
Round 6 v Brumbies, Friday 2 April, SCG
Round 10 v Rebels, Saturday 24 April, Bankwest Stadium
For more information on the Sydney Football Stadium redevelopment VIEW MORE
