The 2027 Super Rugby Pacific Draw has launched, with an expanded 80-game regular season locked in for the year ahead.
It's thrown up a host of exciting fixtures as the build-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup means every game counts even more.
Click here to see the full 2027 Super Rugby Pacific Draw
From local derbies to revenge matches, there's plenty to like for fans.
Rugby.com.au selects ten must-watch fixtures in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific Draw.
Starting with a bang, old rivals ACT Brumbies and NSW Waratahs resume the rivalry in Canberra.
It's a blast from the past for the Waratahs, welcoming back prodigal son Michael Cheika to the fold as coach.
New recruit Angus Crichton is also set for his Super Rugby debut, whilst Luke Reimer and Triston Reilly continue the tradition of transfers between the two clubs, both with a point to prove.
Whilst on the opening round, the defending champions Hurricanes are set for a brutal opener against the Blues in Auckland.
The Hurricanes blew away the Blues in the semi-finals and enter 2026 with a target on their backs.
The Blues will be amongst those hunting them down and, if the rumours are true, could be doing it with one of the Hurricanes' favourite sons, Ardie Savea, whose future remains unconfirmed at this stage.
The Highlanders will be out to celebrate 15 years of Forsyth Barr Stadium in style as they open their home slate against the Blues.
Both teams played one of the best games in 2026, with the Blues taking out a 47-40 thriller at Eden Park.
The Highlanders pulled off a remarkable home upset to start last year and the anniversary of the 'Zoo' will likely deliver another classic for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy
Natural rivals, there's always a bit of spice between the Reds and Waratahs when it comes to derby matches.
The Waratahs managed to turn the tide to start 2026, with the Reds coming home late for revenge after a denied Triston Reilly try shifted momentum.
Any Queensland-NSW game is a must-watch, with fireworks expected from the get-go.
A Grand Final rematch match-up between two of the best teams in the world, there's not much more you need to say.
It headlines the return of a full Easter weekend slate for Super Rugby, ending the split-round format.
The Chiefs also return to Taranaki for the first time in 2023, ensuring a packed out crowd for a world-class game.
Super Round returns to Christchurch and begins with a bang with the Crusaders kicking it off against the Brumbies.
The return of the concept was a massive success and keeping it in Christchurch was pivotal.
The Crusaders and Brumbies have a storied history, with the Brumbies ending their drought last year in James Slipper's 200th.
An all-Australian derby that always delivers, this fixture takes on more significance with the Bledisloe Cup game on ANZAC Day on the horizon.
The reality is Round Nine will likely be the last chance for players to stake their Test claims. Whilst it hasn't been announced, you'd expect players to be in camp across Round 10.
This heaps more importance on impressing early in the season, with a clash between the two premier sides in Australia critical for Test hopefuls.
The Anzac Weekend rivalry between the two sides only intensifies after the announcement that they will play in a standalone round, the day before the Bledisloe Cup Test.
The match is already must-win given the context of new coach Vern Cotter facing his old side.
But with all eyes on Brisbane this weekend, it offers a chance for early trans-Tasman bragging rights.
Regardless of players backing up, this match is always a banger.
The Chiefs and Crusaders are natural rivals, with the Chiefs ending the Crusaders' season last year in a thumping semi-final win.
Kicking off the road to the finals, it's the type of match-up that could decide top-two hopes, which this year is even more important with the automatic bye.
A gaze into the crystal ball: the final-round match between the sides could decide who plays finals football.
The Force will enter 2027 hungry for their first finals appearance after narrowly missing out in previous years.
As for the Drua, they have snuck in previously but will back themselves away from home to hunt for a top six spot.
