The highly anticipated draw for the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season has been officially released, sparking excitement among fans as the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies gear up for their campaign. After a disappointing exit in the semi-finals during the 2024 season, the Brumbies Women are determined to chase their first-ever championship title and will be adapting to a new competition format in their quest for success.
Noteworthy fixtures in the upcoming season include a thrilling home face-off against fierce rivals, the NSW Waratahs, and a remarkable away journey to Fiji, which is set to be a highlight for both players and fans. Moreover, the season will culminate in an electrifying showdown on 17th April, where the Super Rugby Women Champions will meet their New Zealand counterparts from Super Rugby Aupiki, making for a season finale that promises high stakes and intense competition.
Newly appointed head coach Andy Friend is enthusiastic about the upcoming season and particularly keen on the season-ending clash. He believes it will provide a fantastic opportunity for his squad to prove their mettle against the best teams in the league. “I think it (Super Rugby Women’s Championship Final) is a great new addition, everyone wants to pit themselves against the best,” said Friend, emphasizing his hunger for early victories in the challenging long-distance away games.
“Both competitions are asking who’s the best, so now we finally have a way to prove it,” he added, reflecting on the importance of the new format. “It’s exciting that we get the opportunity to further unite the team with away trips in Perth and Fiji early in the calendar. The fixtures will be a great test for our squad, all while they get a chance to bond through being on the road.”
The Brumbies will launch their 2025 campaign with a challenging match-up against the Western Force in Perth, marking their first visit to Western Australia since 2023. Following this opening game, the team will travel to Fiji in Round 3 to take on the Drua in a much-anticipated encounter at Lautoka.
As part of a commitment to fostering the development of women’s rugby in the Pacific, an additional side, Penina Pasifika, has been incorporated into each round as a development fixture, providing crucial competitive opportunities. The Brumbies are set to go head-to-head against this development team in Round 2 at the University of Canberra, which Friend views as a significant opportunity for both teams. “The important thing is that the girls need rugby, so whenever they get a chance to play competitively that is a great thing,” he remarked.
“Albeit not for points but it’s still a competitive match which is a positive for the team,” he added, highlighting the importance of experience over points in this developmental context. Round 4 marks a significant milestone as the Brumbies will host the Queensland Reds at Viking Park in Canberra, aiming to claim their first points of the season in front of their home crowd.
In Round 5, the stakes will be higher as the Brumbies Women face their most formidable challenge of the season, welcoming the reigning Super Rugby Women’s Champions, the NSW Waratahs, to GIO Stadium on 28th March. This match will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the men’s team, who will take on the Highlanders shortly after, turning it into a day of rugby celebration.
The dual blockbuster fixtures in the Capital provide an opportunity to finish the regular season with momentum, says Friend as he welcomes the Reds and Waratahs to the ACT in 2025. “Having the last two matches at home where we get two of the traditional superpowers in our backyard is equally exciting. If we can secure a good couple of performances in the opening rounds, having the Reds and Waratahs at home will be a nice way to finish up our regular season,” he expressed enthusiastically.
After the conclusion of the regular season, a two-week finals series will ensue, featuring the top four teams battling it out in semi-finals scheduled for 4th and 5th April, followed by the grand final on 12th April in Sydney. The champions of the Australian Super Rugby Women’s league will then engage in an exhilarating match against the Super Rugby Aupiki Champions from New Zealand the following week, bringing the season to a thrilling close.
2025 ACT Brumbies Super Rugby Women’s Draw
Round 1
2.05pm Sat 1 Mar – Force v Brumbies – HBF Park, Perth*
Round 2
Development fixture – Brumbies v Penina Pasifika – University of Canberra
Round 3
3.35pm Sat 15 Mar – Drua v Brumbies – Churchill Park, Lautoka
Round 4
1.05pm Sat 22 Mar – Brumbies v Reds – Viking Park, Canberra
Round 5
5.05pm Fri 28 Mar – Brumbies v Waratahs – GIO Stadium, Canberra*
Semi-Finals
Fri 4 Apr – Sat 5 Apr
Grand Final
2.35pm Sat 12 Apr – North Sydney Oval, Sydney
2025 Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final
7.05pm Thurs 17 Apr – 2025 Super Rugby Women’s Champion v 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki Champion – New Zealand
All times local and * denotes double-header with Super Rugby Pacific
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How do you plan to approach the team’s strategy in the matches against strong opponents like the NSW Waratahs?
**Interview with Andy Friend, Head Coach of the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies**
**News Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Andy. The draw for the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season has just been released, and excitement is in the air for the Brumbies. How is the team feeling ahead of the upcoming season?
**Andy Friend:** Thanks for having me! The atmosphere in the camp is electric. After last season’s semi-final exit, there’s a renewed determination among the players. We’re all eager to chase our first championship title, and I think the new competition format makes it even more thrilling.
**News Editor:** You mentioned the new format. What are your thoughts on how it will impact the competition this year?
**Andy Friend:** I believe it’s a fantastic addition. It gives us a clear opportunity to prove ourselves against the best teams. The championship final against the New Zealand champions is going to be a highlight. Everyone wants to pit themselves against the best, and this format allows us to do just that.
**News Editor:** Your opening match is against the Western Force in Perth. What do you expect from this challenging start?
**Andy Friend:** It’s important to start strong. We haven’t played in Western Australia since 2023, so it’s a great opportunity for us to set the tone for the season. If we can secure a solid performance, it will build our confidence early on.
**News Editor:** The team will also be making a trip to Fiji to play the Drua. What’s the significance of this match for both players and fans?
**Andy Friend:** Fiji has a rich rugby culture, and playing there will not only be a memorable experience for our players but also deepen our connection to the Pacific rugby community. It’s about bonding as a team and enjoying the challenges that come with traveling away.
**News Editor:** You have a development fixture against Penina Pasifika in Round 2. Why is this match important for both teams?
**Andy Friend:** The important thing is that the girls need competitive rugby, regardless of the points. It’s a great chance for our players to gain experience, and for the Pasifika team, it provides a platform to showcase talent and development. It’s all about growth for both sides.
**News Editor:** Looking forward, you’re set to face the NSW Waratahs in a crucial match. What are your predictions for this encounter?
**Andy Friend:** The Waratahs are a formidable opponent, and any match against them is tough. This game will be critical for us, especially since it’s at home. If we perform well in the lead-up, having our supporters behind us at GIO Stadium will hopefully give us the boost we need.
**News Editor:** what’s your overall goal for this season?
**Andy Friend:** Our primary goal is to build on last season’s experiences. We’re focused on developing our squad, getting those early victories, and hopefully bringing home the championship title. It’s going to be an exciting season, and we’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead!
**News Editor:** Thanks, Andy. Best of luck for the season ahead. We’ll be eagerly watching!
**Andy Friend:** Thank you, it’s going to be a great year!