Te Kaha, Christchurch's multi-use arena stadium. Photo / Christchurch City Council
Te Kaha, Christchurch's multi-use arena stadium. Photo / Christchurch City Council
Christchurch will host the Super Round in 2026 with 10 Super Rugby Pacific teams descending on the city to open the new covered stadium.
The Super Round will take place in round 11 of the competition, from April 24 to 26, over the long Anzac weekend.
It’s the firsttime the festival round has been held in New Zealand, with the previous events held in Melbourne from 2022 to 2024.
“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,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.
One New Zealand Stadium is scheduled for “practical completion” by April 20 next year – just in time for the Super Round.
Ten of the competition’s 11 sides will play under the roof of the $683 million venue.
“Fans can expect fast-paced rugby, classic rivalries and an electric stadium atmosphere as supporters across the Pacific come together to celebrate Super Round,” Mesley said.
Reigning Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders will host next year's Super Round at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. Photo / Photosport
It’s the bang that the stadium was hoping to open with.
With fixture details to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the Crusaders will be the opening act of the Super Round on Friday, April 24 – a match that has been anticipated since Lancaster Park was condemned after the 2011 earthquake.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says the opening of the stadium will be a significant milestone for the city.
“It’s great to share that with our friends and neighbours from 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,” Mauger said.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger at the city's new $683 million stadium Te Kaha/One New Zealand stadium. Photo / George Heard
The Crusaders’ opponents are yet to be revealed, though two clashes are already known.
On the Saturday, the Hurricanes face the ACT Brumbies for the Captain Shout Cup, and the Blues tackle the Queensland Reds, with the players competing for the Sellars Dixon Medal.
Another double-header will conclude the round on Sunday, April 26.
Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare says Super Round is the first ticketed event to be announced for One New Zealand Stadium and that it “will be the venue’s first major sports event”.
“Super Round is an incredible opportunity to showcase the stadium on the global stage. We are so excited to see Aotearoa’s premier stadium in action for such a special event on the sporting calendar.
“To have 10 teams and 10 fanbases experiencing One NZ Stadium is a special way to introduce the venue to fans and teams alike.”
Language around the Super Rugby timings and the first event at the stadium has been careful over the past six months - and it remains that way. Categorising Super Round as the “first major sports event” suggests that a major non-sporting event could precede it.
Harvie-Teare was more explicit in her support for the Crusaders’ role in Super Round.
“It was important to us to see the Crusaders in the first game of the round so it will be a special moment when they run out for the first time. We can’t wait to watch them build on their dynasty in their new fortress,” says Harvie-Teare.
