Super Rugby Pacific confirms Christchurch return for 2027 Super Round with five-match schedule

Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed that the 2027 Super Round will return to Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium, with a five-match schedule across three days beginning on Friday, April 2. The announcement follows the widely praised 2026 edition, which drew large crowds to the state-of-the-art venue and featured all ten teams in the competition.

The Crusaders will again open the event, this time facing the ACT Brumbies at 7:35pm NZT on the Friday night. It marks a new chapter for the Christchurch franchise without long-serving midfielder David Havili, though Richie Mo’unga has signed on to return to Super Rugby for the campaign.

Saturday features a double-header of Trans-Tasman derbies, with the Chiefs taking on the Western Force from 5:05pm NZT, followed by the Blues against the NSW Waratahs. Sunday’s programme closes the weekend with Jamie Joseph’s Highlanders facing the Fijian Drua before defending champions the Hurricanes meet the Queensland Reds.

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said the 2026 event set a high benchmark. “Super Round delivered one of the best weekends in our competition’s history in 2026 and we can’t wait to go even bigger in 2027,” he said. “Ten teams, one city, and an unforgettable weekend for the fans.”

Mesley also noted the event’s place in the broader season calendar, describing its Round 8 slot as “the perfect springboard” into a stretch that builds toward the first-ever Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup match in Round 11.

Christchurch’s Major Events representative Phil Maugher said the city’s successful hosting of the inaugural Super Round demonstrated its capacity for internationally significant events. “The weekend far exceeded all expectations and predictions,” he said, adding that local partners are focused on expanding community opportunities and economic benefits for the city in 2027.

New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston confirmed government backing for the event through the country’s one-off Events Attraction Package, citing the economic boost to Christchurch’s hospitality sector.

2027 Super Round fixtures

Friday, April 2
Crusaders v ACT Brumbies — 7:35pm NZT

Saturday, April 3
Chiefs v Western Force — 5:05pm NZT
Blues v NSW Waratahs — TBC

Sunday, April 4
Highlanders v Fijian Drua — TBC
Hurricanes v Queensland Reds — TBC