Originally created to supplement the 2020 Super Rugby season, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament continued in 2021, with a competition being confirmed later that year, including 12 teams in a brand new competition named Super Rugby Pacific.

[3] On 2 June, New Zealand Rugby announced that it would implement two optional law trials being offered by World Rugby,[4] including a golden point format for extra time, and that players who receive a red card can be substituted after 20 minutes.

It was also stated that referees would be stricter in applying laws for breakdowns to increase the pace of play.

[5] Super Rugby Aotearoa is shown by the following broadcasters: The 2020 tournament was run by Rugby New Zealand with the sponsorship of Foxtel which provided television coverage on its Fox Sports channels with Sky (New Zealand) being the naming rights sponsor.

Official match-day attire together with other club merchandise is sold through the Super Rugby Aotearoa's stores and website as well as through the clubs and some retailers.