Super Round locks in host city and five-match schedule for 2027 return

Super Round will return to Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium next season, with Super Rugby Pacific unveiling the five-match schedule on Friday. It’s an announcement that follows the success of the 2026 edition, with 10 Super Rugby Pacific teams taking the field across three days.

Thousands of fans packed out the state-of-the-art venue for Super Round last season, with the Crusaders defeating the NSW Waratahs first up. The hosts will again feature in the opening match, when the three-day event gets underway on April 2.

It’s a new era for the Crusaders without long-time midfielder David Havili, but Richie Mo’unga has signed on for a return to the competition. The serial Super Rugby champions take on Australian rugby giants the ACT Brumbies at 7:35 pm on the Friday.

It’s the first of four Trans-Tasman derbies, which includes a double-header on Saturday evening, starting with the Chiefs against the Western Force at 5:05 pm. Then, the Blues and NSW Waratahs will take the field for an intriguing matchup.

Jamie Joseph’s Highlanders will test themselves against the Fijian Drua on Sunday afternoon, before defending champions the Hurricanes face the Queensland Reds. Christchurch, Super Rugby Pacific and the New Zealand Government confirmed on Friday the event is coming back.

“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,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.

“It’s positioning in Round 8 provides the perfect springboard into a very exciting stretch in our season, as we build towards the first-ever Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup match in Round 11.

“Ten teams, one city, and an unforgettable weekend for the fans. We look forward to working with ChristchurchNZ and the New Zealand government to bring the best of our competition to ?tautahi Christchurch once again.”

“The city hosted the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Super Round with overwhelming success, the weekend far exceeded all expectations and predictions. Securing this event again is evidence of our ability to a great host of internationally significant major events,” Christchurch Phil Maugher explained.

“Christchurch City Council alongside our partners Super Rugby Pacific, Venues ?tautahi and ChristchurchNZ look forward to delivering another fantastic festival of rugby with more community opportunities and local partnerships to drive economic benefits for the city.”

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston added: “Super Round is exactly the kind of event the Government’s one-off Events Attraction Package was created to attract. It’s a fantastic opportunity to fill hotels, restaurants and cafes, welcome visitors to Christchurch, and celebrate the best of Super Rugby Pacific in one action-packed weekend.”

Super Round fixtures for 2027

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

Saturday, April 3
Chiefs v Western Force — 5:05pm NZT
Blues v NSW Waratahs — 7:35pm NZT

Sunday, April 4
Highlanders v Fijian Drua — 2:00pm NZT
Hurricanes v Queensland Reds — 4:30pm NZT