Super Rugby is the top-level southern hemisphere club tournament, featuring franchise teams from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

The Super 14's development began in 1996 with the inaugural Super 10 tournament with the title contested by Waikato, Auckland, Otago and North Harbour from New Zealand, Natal Sharks, Transvaal and Northern Transvaal from South Africa, Queensland and New South Wales from Australia and the Samoan national team.

The Super 10 ran for three seasons before being expanded to the Super 12 with the advent of professionalism in 1995. As a result franchise sides from New Zealand, South Africa and Australia were formed - the Crusaders, Blues, Hurricance, Chiefs and Highlanders from New Zealand, the Bulls, Sharks, Cats and Stormers from South Africa and the Reds, Waratahs and Brumbies from Australia.

The Super 12 continued to grow in popularity until 2004, when it was announced that a fourth Australian team, the Western Force, and a fifth South African team, the Cheetahs, would join the league as it was expanded to the current Super 14 model.

At the end of the regular season the top four placed teams go into a knock-out competition with the top two sides claiming home advantage in the semi-finals. The highest place finisher in the regular season then plays host to the final.

Super 10

Super 12

Super 14

Super Rugby