After a year in the wilderness during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, Super Round is confirmed to make its return for 2026, with Christchurch the new location.
Set to take place over the ANZAC Day weekend from April 24-26, Super Round is set to christen the new One New Zealand Stadium, the new 25,000-seat venue under a fixed roof in Christchurch.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The stadium, which has been long in the making following the devastating 2011 earthquake that made Lancaster Park unsafe to use, began construction in 2022, with the Crusaders and All Blacks playing out of Apollo Projects Stadium in the interim 14 years.
“The opening event at One New Zealand Stadium will be a major milestone in the remarkable comeback story of our city,” said Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch in an official statement.
“It is great to share that with our friends and neighbours from all across the country, Australia and the Pacific.
“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.”
In fitting fashion, the Crusaders will christen their new home with the first match of the weekend on Friday night.
The recently established Trans-Tasman derbies of the Queensland Reds vs Auckland Blues and ACT Brumbies vs. Hurricanes will form the centrepiece of ANZAC Day, with the former squaring off for the Sellars Dixon Medal, while the latter will compete for the Captain Shout Cup - announced earlier this year.
The event will then conclude with a second double header on Sunday, 26th April - with the full draw set to be confirmed in due course.
“This event is bigger than rugby, it’s a celebration of One NZ Stadium coming to life,” said Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge.
“I’m stoked that the new stadium is going to host rugby, concerts and an amazing array of community events.
“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.”
“Super Round is a celebration of what makes Super Rugby Pacific special,” Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO, added.
“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.”
