Kiwi icon Scribe to headline entertainment line-up at Super Round
We’re kicking off Super Rugby Pacific Super Round in a way that feels right for Ōtautahi – with one of our very own.
When the Crusaders run out for Friday night’s sold‑out clash against the NSW Waratahs at One New Zealand Stadium, our fans will be treated to a special half-time performance from hometown legend Scribe.
Born and raised in Christchurch, and with an album titled The Crusader, he’s the perfect artist to help usher in this new era for our club and our city.
Friday night is already shaping up to be massive. Three‑day passes and opening-night tickets have been snapped up, and fewer than 5% of tickets remain for Saturday and Sunday.
With Super Round being hosted in New Zealand for the very first time, all eyes will be on Christchurch as we welcome the entire competition to our backyard over Anzac Weekend.
The full weekend programme is packed with entertainment. Saturday begins with a traditional Anzac ceremony, including national anthems performed by Rebecca Nelson of the Royal New Zealand Navy, before the Hurricanes face the ACT Brumbies in the Captain Shout Cup. Fans will also see a special choir performance from St Andrew’s College – whose viral renditions have captured the country – during half-time.
The Blues v Reds match will feature the world‑renowned New Zealand Army Band, returning to a Christchurch stadium stage more than 50 years after performing at the 1974 Commonwealth Games. It’s a moment that connects generations of Cantabrians to this brand‑new era at One NZ Stadium.
Sunday brings a full family atmosphere, with Pacific sounds and colour from Mellow Studios and the Cook Islands Christchurch Drummers. The Highlanders take on Moana Pasifika before the Chiefs meet the Fijian Drua, who created history against the Hamilton side last season. Between matches, DJ Danny‑Ill will bring his signature sound rooted in te ao Māori.
Super Rugby legend Dan Carter will also be part of Sunday’s action through his UNICEF Aotearoa partnership, raising funds for clean water initiatives in the Pacific. Fans will even get the chance to join Dan in a unique on‑field kicking challenge to support the cause.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says the weekend will be like nothing New Zealand rugby fans have experienced before.
“Bringing Super Round to New Zealand is an opportunity to showcase the very best of Super Rugby Pacific in one city, across one weekend, and to give fans unprecedented access to the players and teams they love. We’re proud to deliver an entertainment experience that goes beyond the 80 minutes on-field,” he says.
ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie says the city is ready to come alive.
“This is a massive moment for Ōtautahi. Super Round will turn the city into one big rugby festival, packed with family fun, live entertainment, and that unbeatable Christchurch buzz. We can’t wait to celebrate alongside approximately 13,500 visitors, bringing around $6M in visitor spending to the city over the long weekend,” she says.
Across the entire event, fans will be able to meet players from all ten teams at the central city Live Site, take part in activities, enjoy food and entertainment, and follow a fan trail leading them towards One New Zealand Stadium – more details will be announced soon.
Tickets for Saturday, Sunday and hospitality offerings are still available to purchase here.