Super Round has been ditched but Townsville will become a trans-Tasman sports hub over a May weekend with the Queensland Reds and North Queensland Cowboys both hosting Kiwi opposition.
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Round three of the five-week crossover Super Rugby competition between Australian and New Zealand teams was dubbed Super Round, with all matches played at one venue, copying the NRL's popular Magic Round.
But Rugby Australia and Rugby New Zealand have cancelled the concept, with Townsville and Wollongong now hosting matches.
Melbourne had hoped to host the Highlanders but their game will instead be played at a still to be confirmed New Zealand venue.
The round kicks off on May 28 with the Hurricanes facing the Western Force in Napier.
Wollongong will host an afternoon game the next day, featuring the NSW Waratahs and Crusaders, followed by the Brumbies and Blues at Auckland's Eden Park.
The Reds will then take on the Chiefs in the May 29 night clash - the first Super Rugby match at the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
In the NRL, North Queensland will tackle the Warriors on May 28, with the dual code weekend set to boost tourism to the region after the opening of the trans-Tasman travel bubble.
Coach Brad Thorn said his Reds were excited to bring a Super Rugby match to Townsville for the first time in 15 years.
"We want Townsville's stadium to be our North Queensland cauldron," Thorn said.
"The Reds represent the entire state. It's very important for us to play in front of our fans in North Queensland.
"You've seen all the positives from our Reds to Regions visits.
"This game will be another way to continue our connection with regional Queensland communities."
Rugby Australia boss Andy Marinos said it was disappointing not to get Super Round up and running but was excited to take the games to the regions.
"It's great to be in a position where we can play our New Zealand counterparts again," Marinos said.
"Our players are intensely focused on finishing this Super Rugby AU season on a high, and then throwing everything at their Kiwi counterparts.
"Unfortunately, we weren't able to host a Super Round however I'm really excited to take games to Townsville and Wollongong and engaging with those communities."
Australian Associated Press
