Aussie fans will be treated to a spectacular opening weekend of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 with local derbies confirmed for successive February nights.
The New South Wales Waratahs will host the Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium on Friday 13 February before the Western Force welcome ACT Brumbies to HBF Park on Saturday 14 February.
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The news follows a string of social media teasers from Super Rugby Pacific clubs ahead of the official 2026 fixture release later this week on Thursday 28 August.
In a statement, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar welcomed the push for early season derbies.
“It's good for the competition that we're starting with a game of such significance,” McKellar said.
“Round 1 … New South Wales versus Queensland. I don't think it gets any bigger than that.
“It’s a rivalry that goes back more than a hundred years [to 1882], and one that the fans will get excited about in 2026.”
Meanwhile the Force-Brumbies game holds particular significance with the West Australian club's first ever competition clash in 2006 coming against their ACT rivals.
Other leaked Australian fixtures include the Reds hosting the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium on April 11 - ending a three-year run of away games against the perennial powerhouses - and the Brumbies' February 28 clash with the Blues in Canberra.
Another Round 1 blockbuster looms for 2025 wooden spooners Fijian Drua, who will host Moana Pasifika in Lautoka to open their 2026 campaign.
