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Super Rugby Next Gen unveiled as Australia’s elite U20 pathway
By Finn Morton
Rugby Australia has announced the launch of Super Rugby Next Gen, an all-new competition featuring the best under-20s talent from the nation’s four Super Rugby clubs. The inaugural season is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Super Rugby Next Gen will strategically replace Super Rugby U19, as the competition looks to support the development of each club’s best young talent, while providing a direct pathway into the Australia U20 program.
Australia’s four Super Rugby clubs will play three matches over consecutive weekends in February, all hosting at least one fixture. The NSW Waratahs face the Western Force in Sydney on February 7, while the ACT Brumbies host the Queensland Reds the next day in Canberra.
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In round two, the Force take on the Brumbies in Perth on February 14, while the Reds host their only match on the 15th against the Waratahs. The Force play the Reds in Perth in round three, and the Tahs will come up against arch-rivals the Brumbies on February 22.
RA has confirmed that while Super Rugby Next Gen is primarily aimed at the U20 age group, clubs will be allowed to field players over the age of 20 in 2026. This decision has been made to promote competition and broader player development goals.
“From a high performance perspective, Super Rugby Next Gen is an opportunity for the best emerging talent in our Super Rugby programs to test themselves ahead of another big year for the Australia U20s and Super Rugby clubs,” General Manager Men’s High Performance and Competitions Ben Whitaker said in a statement.
“It is designed to complement the Super Rugby pathways competitions we have had in place over the last four years.
“While it is a relatively short competition, we believe its position in the calendar will help drive positive outcomes for the national U20 program, while unearthing new talent for our Super Rugby clubs to tap into through the year.
“The Super Rugby clubs perform an important and effective role in developing this tier of talent and Next Gen will further support this great work.
“We hope Next Gen also excites rugby fans across the country, who will be able to check out some of the future Wallabies making their way through the national pathway.”
Australia U20s will compete for The Rugby Championship U20 title in April 2026, before flying to Georgia for the World Rugby U20 Championship two months later.
2026 Super Rugby Next Gen fixtures
ROUND 1
NSW Waratahs v Western Force – Sat 7 Feb – Sydney
ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds – Sun 8 Feb – Canberra
ROUND 2
Western Force v ACT Brumbies – Sat 14 Feb – Perth
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs – Sun 15 Feb – Brisbane
ROUND 3
Western Force v Queensland Reds – Sat 21 Feb / Sun 22 Feb – Perth
NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies – Sun 22 Feb – Sydney
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