Christchurch Lands Historic Super Rugby Pacific Super Round 2026
New Zealand to Host Landmark Event at State-of-the-Art One New Zealand Stadium
Christchurch is set to make history as the host city for Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round in 2026. This marks the first time the prestigious event will be held in New Zealand, and it will serve as the inaugural major sporting spectacle at the brand-new One New Zealand Stadium.
A Festival of Rugby and Community
The three-day event, scheduled for Round 11 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season from April 24-26, promises an immersive fan experience. It will blend high-octane rugby action with live music and family entertainment, drawing supporters from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific Islands.
Ten of the competition’s teams will converge on Christchurch for five crucial matches. Fans will get an early opportunity to experience the impressive capabilities of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s new, centrally located stadium. With a 25,000-seat capacity and a fixed roof, the venue is perfectly designed for an exciting rugby showcase.
The specific fixture lineup is expected soon, but the opening day will feature hometown favourites, the defending champion Crusaders. Saturday will highlight fierce Anzac Day rivalries as the Hurricanes meet the ACT Brumbies for the Captain Shout Cup, and the Blues face the Queensland Reds, competing for the Sellars Dixon Medal. The weekend action will culminate in another exciting double-header on Sunday.
A Milestone for Christchurch’s Comeback
Phil Mauger, the Mayor of Christchurch, expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement. He highlighted the stadium’s opening as a significant moment in the city’s recovery narrative.
“The opening event at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will be a major milestone in the remarkable comeback story of our city and it is great to share that with our friends and neighbours from all across the country, Australia and the Pacific.”
—Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch
“We are really proud to be able to launch this amazing venue on behalf of Christchurch and know it will be a place where great memories are made.”
—Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch
Celebrating a New Era of Rugby
Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, emphasized the broader significance of the event, viewing it as a celebration of the new stadium’s arrival.
“This event is bigger than rugby, it’s a celebration of One NZ Stadium coming to life.”
—Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO
“I’m stoked that the new stadium is going to host rugby, concerts and an amazing array of community events – but there’s no better way to kick it off than recognise the DNA of this region and start with Super Round hosted by Super Rugby Pacific and the very grateful Crusaders club.”
—Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO
Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO, shared his excitement about bringing the Super Round to a new territory.
“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.”
—Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO
“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.”
—Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO
Further details regarding fixtures, tickets, travel, and hospitality packages are anticipated in the coming weeks. Rugby fans are encouraged to register their interest at crusaders.co.nz/superround to stay informed about this landmark occasion.
