SUPER ROUND CONFIRMED FOR CHRISTCHURCH IN 2026

The city of Christchurch, the Crusaders and Super Rugby Pacific have joined forces to bring Super Round to Christchurch in 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in New Zealand and the first major sporting event at the brand new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha.  

Super Round 2026 will combine world-class rugby with live music and family-friendly fun, as fans from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific come together to celebrate a historic festival of footy in Christchurch. 

Set for Round 11 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, from April 24 to 26, 10 teams will descend on the city for five high-stakes matches across one blockbuster weekend.  

Super Round will give fans one of the first chances to experience Ōtautahi Christchurch’s brand-new, state-of-the-art One NZ Stadium. With 25,000 seats under a fixed roof, and a prime location in the city centre, the stadium is the perfect venue for three days of entertaining rugby.  

With fixture details to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the opening act of Super Round on Friday 24 April will feature hometown heroes and defending champions the Crusaders.

The following day the competition’s burgeoning Anzac Day rivalries reignite as the Hurricanes face the ACT Brumbies for the Captain Shout Cup, and the Blues tackle the Queensland Reds, with the players competing for the Sellars Dixon Medal.

The action concludes with another blockbuster double-header on Sunday 26 April.

Roger Clark, Highlanders CEO, said:

“We’re excited to be part of such a significant milestone for Christchurch and New Zealand with the opening of One NZ Stadium.

“For Super Round to be hosted in the South Island and be so accessible for our fans is a real plus for our region. We’re looking forward to Highlanders fans being able to experience a fantastic weekend of Super Rugby so close to home in 2026.”

Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO, said:

“Super Round is a celebration of what makes Super Rugby Pacific special. Fans can expect fast-paced rugby, classic rivalries, and an electric stadium atmosphere as supporters across the Pacific come together to celebrate Super Round.  

“Hosting this event in Ōtautahi Christchurch is a fantastic way to showcase the best of our competition. We’re excited to work with the city and the Crusaders to deliver something unforgettable.”

Fixture and event details, including information on tickets, travel and hospitality packages, will be announced in due course.

Fans are encouraged to sign up to the Highlanders mailing list to be first to know when tickets go on sale and plan early for what promises to be a landmark moment for Christchurch and Super Rugby Pacific.

ENDS