Super W gears up for eight-week, six-team competition with the arrival of newcomers Fijiana Drua

The Super W season will begin in Perth on March 4, one of 12 double-headers alongside the men's Super Rugby Pacific tournament this season.

The Force, who didn't host a women's game last season due to COVID-19, will welcome both the men's and women's Queensland Reds outfits in rugby's return to the west.

The Rebels will play newcomers Fijiana Drua on March 5 at a location still to be determined, while the Brumbies host the NSW Waratahs in a Canberra double-header with their men's teams on the same day.

The addition of the Drua has created a six-team, eight-week competition ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

Each side will play five matches in the regular season, with a total of 12 double-headers corresponding with men's matches across the competition.

The top three teams will progress to the finals, with second and third place to clash for the right to meet the minor premiers in the decider on April 24.

«We are on the doorstep of one of the biggest seasons in history for women's rugby in Australia and the announcement of this new re-vitalised competition is a testament to that,» Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos said.

«In 2022, Super W will be bigger and more exciting than ever, providing a platform to develop, showcase and celebrate the elite female talent we have across the country.»

AAP