Waratahs eye double-headers at ANZ Stadium when Super Rugby resumes

The Waratahs and the Western Force are eyeing blockbuster double-headers when Super Rugby resumes.

The Waratahs celebrate their grand final win over the Crusaders in 2014 at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

The Waratahs and the Western Force could be playing double headers at ANZ Stadium as part of a radical plan to ensure Super Rugby hits the ground running when the revamped competition kicks off next month.

It can be revealed that the left-field proposal — unthinkable just a few weeks ago when the code was battling to stay afloat — has been presented to broadcasters as a way to slash operating costs and maximise revenues.

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The idea was quickly pulled together after the NSW state government announced it would start allowing crowds at NRL matches, so still has to be approved by Fox Sports, but looms as a win-win.

The Western Force have already agreed to relocate to the east coast for the start of the competition until all the borders in Western Australia are reopened, and with the Sydney football Stadium still under reconstruction, the Waratahs are still operating as nomads, playing matches all over the state.

NSW’s four home matches in the new five-team domestic competition all have to be played close to Sydney airport so the visiting team can fly out on the same night of the game. It is understood two of those four matches will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground with the other two in the western suburbs.

Originally, the Waratahs would have played at Bankwest Stadium but the government’s decision not to rebuild ANZ Stadium at Homebush has opened the possibility of bigger crowds and a bonus of double-headers.

“We’re not far off being locked and loaded, but there’s still a few moving pieces,” NSW Rugby chief executive Paul Doorn said.

“Because we’re a little bit behind the NRL, we’ve got to sort of fit in with their plans and the broadcasters have to approve it. But we think there is an opport­unity to think strategically about this, because we’re all about maximising the television product while minimising the costs.

“No one is more hopeful than the Super Rugby CEOs because we think it’s really important to get the product on telly.”

Talks between Rugby Australia and Fox Sports about broadcasting are ongoing, but the plan is to start on July 3, with the Waratahs starting away against the Reds and the Brumbies hosting Melbourne Rebels. The draw has not been released, but with the Waratahs away for the first round, they are almost certain to play their first home match in Sydney on July 10 or 11, possibly for the first double-header.

“Everything at this stage is about scenario planning because no one knows for certain what’s going to happen, but having fans thrown into the mix has clearly created another thing to think about,” Doorn said.

“We’ve got the luxury of following the NRL and it’s great to see them being so proactive but we are also working very closely with NSW Health and the office of sport to understand what is possible.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH