Blues CEO Karl Budge believes a revamped Super Rugby Pacific format for 2027 will enhance interest in an improved on-field product. 

10 teams will play 16 regular season matches with an ANZAC Day Bledisloe test break, before the top two teams get direct passage to the semi-finals while the next four ranked teams face off – no Lucky Loser. 

While the draw is yet to be released, Budge is glad that the new format retains a greater sense of jeopardy and makes for bigger games throughout the competition. 

He told Mike Hosking it means teams will play for meaningful outcomes right through to the end of the season. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Blues CEO Karl Budge believes a revamped Super Rugby Pacific format for 2027 will enhance interest in an improved on-field product.&nbsp;
10 teams will play 16 regular season matches with an ANZAC Day Bledisloe test break, before the top two teams get direct passage to the semi-finals while the next four ranked teams face off – no Lucky Loser.&nbsp;
While the draw is yet to be released, Budge is glad that the new format retains a greater sense of jeopardy and makes for bigger games throughout the competition.&nbsp;
He told Mike Hosking it means teams will play for meaningful outcomes right through to the end of the season.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

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Karl Budge: Blues CEO on the changes to the Super Rugby Pacific format for 2027

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/073d5b4e-1fba-4740-8f75-b47a015b2837/transcript