Pacific additions will make new Super Rugby one of the toughest in the world - Marinos

Super Rugby kicks off a new era this week with the long-awaited addition of two Pacific islander teams to compete alongside the best from Australia and New Zealand.

Some fans may scoff at yet another revamp for the southern hemisphere tournament after constant tinkering in recent years.

But organisers believe the injection of Pacific talent in the form of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika is a "game-changer" that will pique the interest of fans.

"Their inclusion will make this new competition one of the toughest in the world," Rugby Australia chief Andy Marinos said.

Super Rugby has also jettisoned the much-criticised conference format in favour of a 12-team round robin over 15 regular season-rounds followed by a three-week finals series.

The new teams are designed to help Pacific island nations retain top players after decades of seeing them head overseas in search of professional opportunities.

The Drua, who will be based in Australia in 2022, comprises players from Fiji, while Auckland-based Moana focuses on harnessing talent from Tonga and Samoa.

Moana have attracted high-profile recruits in Wallabies veterans Sekope Kepu and Christian Lealiifano, as well as Samoa Test flanker Jack Lam.

The team suffered a pre-season setback when their entire squad was placed in isolation last week after seven players tested positive for Covid-19.

The outbreak forced the postponement of their season opener against Blues, meaning Fijian Drua will now kick off the competition when they face the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

While the addition of the Pacific teams will add variety to the tournament, it is unlikely they would challenge Super rugby's established powers for the title this season.

Among the 12 teams - five each from Australia