Super Round is coming to Christchurch in 2026!

11 Aug 2025

The Crusaders are excited to announce Super Round will be hosted in Christchurch in 2026 – marking the first time the event will be held in New Zealand and the first major sporting event at the brand new One New Zealand Stadium.

Super Round 2026 will combine world-class rugby with live music and family-friendly fun, as fans from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific come together to celebrate a historic festival of footy in Christchurch.

It’ll take place in Round 11 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition, from April 24 to 26. 10 teams will descend on the garden city for five matches across one blockbuster weekend.

Super Round will give fans one of the first chances to experience Ōtautahi Christchurch’s brand-new, state-of-the-art One New Zealand Stadium. With 25,000 seats under a fixed roof, and a prime location in the city centre, the stadium is the perfect venue for three days of entertaining rugby.

With fixture details to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the Crusaders will be the opening act of Super Round on Friday 24 April.

The following day, 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.

The action concludes with another double-header on Sunday 26 April.

Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch, says the opening event at One New Zealand Stadium will be a major milestone in the remarkable comeback story of 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.”

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, said this event is bigger than rugby.

“It’s a celebration of One New Zealand Stadium coming to life.

“I’m stoked the new stadium is going to host rugby, concerts and an amazing array of community events – but 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.”

Jack Mesley, Super Rugby Pacific CEO, says Super Round is a celebration of what makes Super Rugby Pacific special.

“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.”