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Crusaders XV set to ignite the next wave of talent in new Super Rugby Development Series

12 Feb 2026

 

 

New Zealand Rugby has launched a new Super Rugby Development programme with a series of matches running from 14 February to 11 April. 

 

The programme is opening the door for another exciting chapter in our pathway as the Crusaders XV step into a series designed to give emerging players meaningful minutes in a true high‑performance environment.  

 

It runs alongside the first nine weeks of the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season and brings the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Highlanders and Crusaders together in a way that keeps players connected to Super Rugby even when they’re not in the matchday 23.  

 

Our first fixture kicks off on Saturday 14 February in Timaru against the Highlanders Development side at Fraser Park. 

 

NZR High Performance Player Development Manager Matt Sexton says the programme directly responds to the Men’s Pathways Review, which highlighted how important it is to expose a wider group of players to elevated environments and clearer steps in their development.  

 

He says the programme offers more opportunities to players and coaches across the system and strengthens the link between provincial unions and Super Rugby. 

 

The squads will blend contracted Super Rugby players needing game time with emerging and developing players, including opportunities for Provincial Union National Development Contracts.  

 

Younger high‑potential players will benefit from playing with experienced athletes, learning how to operate at performance standards that mirror the Super Rugby level. 

 

The teams will be guided by a mix of Super Rugby and Provincial Union coaches, helping keep development aligned across all levels and strengthening the bridge between academy rugby, provincial rugby and Super Rugby.  

 

For the Crusaders XV, that coaching group is led by Head Coach Alex Robertson, supported by assistant coaches Ryan Crotty, James Lentjes and Hoani MacDonald.  

 

The programme also gives match officials and match management staff valuable experience, while offering fans a closer look at the depth of talent throughout the country and how the development pathway functions in practice.  

 

The Crusaders XV are being proudly supported by Coolabah Capital Investments, BCITO, John Jones Steel and Naylor Love – four partners who have already played a huge role in strengthening our off‑field and on‑field pathways through initiatives like the Apprentice Programme, where work experience, personal development and genuine care come together to give young athletes strong foundations for the future.  

 

Their support of the Crusaders XV extends that same commitment to giving players real opportunities to grow. 

 

“Supporting the Crusaders XV aligns naturally with our belief in backing environments that deliver real outcomes for people,” says Christopher Joye, Chief Investment Officer at Coolabah Capital Investments. 

 

BCITO General Manager Marketing and Growth Paddy Kymbrekos says the programme reflects how pathways in any field work.  

 

“They rely on giving young people the chance to learn and grow, and we’re humbled to support this new programme to allow this growth in the next generation of Crusaders.” 

 

Frank van Schaijik, Managing Director of John Jones Steel, says backing young people who are ready to put in the work is part of their culture. 

 

"This series gives players a chance to build resilience and confidence in a real performance environment – it was a no brainer for us to back it,” says van Schaijik. 

 

Graeme Earl, Regional Director at Naylor Love, says being part of this programme is deeply meaningful. 

 

"It gives players an opportunity to take genuine steps towards their future and it’s humbling to be a part of it.” 

 

NZR also confirmed there will be an U20 development programme including matches in late March, with details to be announced in the coming weeks. 

 

The Super Rugby Development Programme 2026 schedule: 
 
WEEK 1             
Sat 14 Feb: 

  • Crusaders v Highlanders, Fraser Park Timaru, 1pm                           
  • Blues v Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland, 4:25pm (Curtain raiser for the Blues v Chiefs DHL Super Rugby Pacific match at 7.05pm) 

 

WEEK 2 
Fri 20 Feb:  

  • Highlanders v Blues, Tahuna Park Dunedin, 12.45pm 

Sat 21 Feb:  

  • Crusaders v Hurricanes, Linwood RFC Christchurch, 12.30pm 

 

WEEK 3 
Sat 28 Feb: 

  • Chiefs v Crusaders, FMG Stadium, Hamilton, 4.05pm                    
  • Blues v Hurricanes, University Rugby Club, Auckland, 2:00pm 

 

WEEK 4 
Fri 6 Mar: 

  • Hurricanes v Chiefs, NZCIS, 11.30am 
  • Crusaders v Highlanders, Fraser Park Timaru, 12.30pm 

 

WEEK 5           
Sun 15 March:  

  • Blues vs Crusaders, Eden Rugby Club, Auckland, 12.30pm 

 

WEEK 6             
Fri 20 March:  

  • Highlanders v Hurricanes, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 4.30pm (curtain raiser for Highlanders v Hurricanes DHL Super Rugby Pacific game at 7.05pm) 

 

WEEK 7 
Fri 27 March:  

  • Chiefs v Highlanders, Yarrows Stadium, New Plymouth, 2.00pm 

Sat 28 March:  

  • Hurricanes v Blues, Venue TBC, Wellington, 2:00pm                                                     

 

WEEK 8 

  • Chiefs v Blues, details TBC