Super Rugby Pacific

A statement said “For the first time, Fiji’s favourite team will host NSW Waratahs and Western Force on home soil, while top sides returning to play in front of the world’s best rugby fans include defending champions Crusaders, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika, Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.”

Venues for the Drua’s home matches will be released shortly.

 The new season will see another Super Round in week two of the competition in Melbourne.

The Blues will endeavour to upset a Crusaders outfit who command a superlative post-season record at home.

And with the injury-decimated hosts looking vulnerable on paper, there is an expectation the northerners will look to unsettle the red and black machine in Christchurch.

Hurricanes and All Blacks hooker Dane Coles served up a push-button masterclass against the Crusaders a fortnight ago during the regular season's final weekend.

Barrett expects something similar on Friday night.

After surviving an epic finish against the Hurricanes in Canberra to extend their season, the Brumbies take on the table-topping Chiefs on Saturday intent on becoming the first Australian team to win a Super Rugby finals match in New Zealand.

The Western Force-bound White is among six players plus two coaches leaving the club at season’s end and lock Tom Hooper says the Brumbies’ opportunity to achieve a feat never previously attained is providing just the motivation required.

He's has signed a deal with Kobe Steelers.

Gatland will link up with his Chiefs teammate, All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, at Kobe, with the latter announcing his departure earlier this year.

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan praised Gatland's character and abilities.

"Bryn has been an excellent Chief over the last three years. He is an experienced and calm tactician, an outstanding goal kicker and a tough defender. These qualities will serve him well as he embarks on the next phase of his rugby journey."

The 23-year-old timed his late intervention at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium to perfection; likewise his announcement that he will remain loyal to the franchise that took a chance on him five years ago.

Not only did his try keep the Highlanders in contention for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, it was the ideal send-off for his teammate and role model Aaron Smith, who was playing his final home match.

The Hurricanes were completely outplayed in the first 30 minutes but did well to get back in the game to trail the home side 19-10 at half time.

Their cause wasn't helped when Julian Savea had to leave the field early with an injury.

A high octane final 10 minutes saw four tries scored.

It started when Kini Naholo crossed the line for the Hurricanes to get within four points of the Blues.

But a couple of minutes later Reiko Ioane replied for the Blues.

Naholo then got his second try but Talea put it out of doubt when he crossed for his fourth.

A total of seven tries was scored by the Drua with inform center Iosefo Masi bagging a hat-trick.

However the side needed a bonus point win as they chase a quarterfinal spot.

The game went right down to the wire with a crucial conversation that could have seen Moana win the match.

Captain Meli Derenalagi says it was a bruising encounter.

“It was a brutal match. We knew Moana Pasifika was going to be tough and we had to fight until the last minute. Hats off to the boys for holding on and we have a lot of weaknesses to work on in the next game.”

Moody's had ankle surgery after being injured in the side's win over the Blues a fortnight ago.

He'll be out for eight weeks which means he will still be available for the All Blacks World Cup campaign in France in September.

Moody's the fourth prop the Crusaders have lost during their title defence.

The Super Rugby Pacific side has already lost Fletcher Newell, George Bower and Finlay Brewis to injuries.

The Crusaders hope to add another prop to their roster in the near future.

34 year old Moody missed much of last season with an ACL injury.

Aumua, who has been the side’s best player this season has maternal links to Fiji.

The 28-year-old is from Naveicovatu in Tailevu on the main island of Viti Levu.

Aumua who frequently visits his family in the village said he cannot wait to play the Drua at home.

“Really excited we have been waiting since round 1 to play the Drua again and it’s not easy to come here and play the Drua in front of their home crowd, should be a good game.”

But such has Rona’s impact been in his Super Rugby Pacific shot, the Chiefs on Tuesday announced that not only would he be remaining in their ranks through till the completion of the campaign, but that he had also signed a three-year deal to be in their clutches through till 2026.