(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Christchurch to Host Super Rugby Pacific Super Round 2026
Christchurch is set to welcome the Super Rugby Pacific Super Round in 2026, marking a historic first for New Zealand and a major milestone for the city’s brand-new stadium, Te Kaha.
The announcement comes ahead of the full release of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific fixtures. The Super Round will take place in late April 2026, with Te Kaha expected to be ready in time to host the event. This will be the stadium’s first major sporting occasion, offering fans an exciting chance to experience the new 25,000-capacity venue.
This will be the first time the Super Round has been hosted in New Zealand. The Crusaders, New Zealand Rugby, and Super Rugby Pacific collaborated to make Christchurch the launch venue — a thrilling prospect for local supporters and rugby fans across the region.
The Super Round is scheduled for Round 11 of the 2026 season, starting the weekend of April 24. The Crusaders will kick off the festivities with a Friday night match against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
Saturday will feature two key matches: the Hurricanes will face the ACT Brumbies in the Captain Shout Cup, followed by the Blues taking on the Queensland Reds with the Sellars Dixon Medal on the line.
Sunday wraps up the weekend with a doubleheader, meaning the Super Round will showcase five games involving ten teams — a spectacular celebration of rugby and community in one venue.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley expressed his excitement:
“Super Round celebrates what makes Super Rugby Pacific so special. Fans can expect thrilling rugby, fierce rivalries, and an electric atmosphere as supporters from across the Pacific unite to enjoy this event.”
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge highlighted the wider significance of the occasion:
“This event is more than just rugby; it’s the moment One NZ Stadium comes to life. We’re thrilled to host rugby, concerts, and community events here, and there’s no better way to start than with the Super Round.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger welcomed the announcement, emphasizing the stadium’s importance to the city’s revival:
“The opening event at One New Zealand Stadium is a major milestone in Christchurch’s comeback story. We’re proud to host visitors from across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific and look forward to making unforgettable memories here.”
Fans should mark their calendars for this landmark weekend of rugby in Christchurch, as the Super Rugby Pacific Super Round promises to deliver unforgettable moments in a world-class new stadium.
