It might not be Mount Maunganui's ASB Baypark, but a FIFA Under 20 World Cup stadium black-out means Super Rugby is back in the Bay next season with Rotorua International Stadium hosting a solitary match in 2015.

This week's Super Rugby draw reveals the franchise will officially return to the city for a Friday, May 22 clash with South African side the Bulls – its first competition fixture since 2008.

Rotorua International Stadium will host the Chiefs versus the Bulls on May 22, 2015. Photo: File.

Seven years ago the same two sides met in Rotorua and since then the city has been handed down pre-season matches including February's warm-up between the Chiefs and Blues.

But the allocation means for the second year running ASB Baypark is left out of the Super Rugby mix, last hosting the Chiefs versus Blues match in 2013.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has since bemoaned the lack of an international class venue dictating this absence.

Bay Leisure and Events chief executive Gary Dawson says it is disappointing the Chiefs have once again decided to bypass Tauranga.

After lengthy discussions between the two parties a 'strong” proposal was put forward to the franchise, says Gary.

'But they have obviously decided Rotorua, the last two years they haven't been to Tauranga, but it's been a long time since they have been to Rotorua.

'I don't know on what basis they made a decision but we put in what we thought was a strong proposal for that game.”

Gary is yet to speak to the Chiefs about the omission but understands there are a number of reasons which will be discussed in-depth at a later date.

Chiefs chief executive Andrew Flexman says the FIFA World Cup stadium black-out, affecting both Waikato and Yarrow Stadiums, had a bearing on match allocations.

But it is a situation the Chiefs Rugby Club views as a positive opportunity for fans, with matches to be played at three different venues: Waikato Stadium, Yarrow Stadium and Rotorua International Stadium.

'We have worked hard to get a round robin match in Rotorua for the first time in a number years and it will be important for the people of Rotorua to get out and support the Chiefs so that we can justify playing matches in the region in the future.'

During the pre-season the Chiefs will play two matches, one in Whangarei against the Blues and the other in Sydney against the Waratahs.

The competition starts a week earlier next year due to the Rugby World Cup, the Chiefs opening their season against the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on February 14.

Last round-robin match is on June 13 and the final will be played on July 4 - a month earlier than this year due to the lack of a June international window.

Chiefs 2015 Super Rugby draw:

Rd 1: Saturday, February 14 v Blues, Albany, 7.35pm

Rd 2: Friday, February 20 v Brumbies, New Plymouth, 7.35pm

Rd 3: Saturday, February 28 v Crusaders, Waikato Stadium, 7.35pm

Rd 4: Friday, March 6 v Highlanders, Waikato Stadium, 7.35pm

Rd 5: Sunday, March 15 v Stormers, Cape Town, TBC

Rd 6: Sunday, March 22 v Sharks, Durban, TBC

Rd 7: Saturday, March 28 v Cheetahs, Waikato Stadium, 4.30pm

Rd 8: Saturday, April 4 v Blues, Waikato Stadium, 7.35pm

Rd 9: Bye

Rd 10: Friday, April 17 v Crusaders, Christchurch, 7.35pm

Rd 11: Friday, April 24 v Force, Waikato Stadium, 7.35pm

Rd 12: Saturday, May 2 v Rebels, Melbourne, 9.40pm

Rd 13: Bye

Rd 14: Saturday, May 16 v Hurricanes, Wellington, 7.35pm

Rd 15: Friday, May 22 v Bulls, Rotorua, 7.35pm

Rd 16: Saturday, May 30 v Highlanders, Venue TBC, 7.35pm

Rd 17: Saturday, June 6 v Reds, Brisbane, 9.40pm

Rd 18: Saturday, June 13 v Hurricanes, New Plymouth, 7.35pm

Qualifiers: June 19-20

Semifinals: June 26-27

Final: Saturday, July 4