Australian teams will start their Super Rugby season a week earlier next year and the competition will run uninterrupted to July 6, with no June Tests to be played due to the 2019 World Cup.
Organising body SANZAAR surprised by releasing the 2018 Super Rugby draw on Tuesday, three months earlier than usual.
The tournament format is unchanged, with three conferences involving 15 teams and the eight finalists to come from the three conference winners and five wildcard teams.
The Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels will be the first Australian teams in action when they clash on Friday, February 15.
The NSW Waratahs face a big home clash with New Zealand's Hurricanes the following night but the venue is yet to be announced due to the planned tear down and rebuild of Allianz Stadium.
The Waratahs are considering other grounds for next season including the new stadium at Parramatta, the SCG and Brookvale Oval.
The Queensland Reds get a first round bye then start their campaign away to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, February 22.
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