Super Rugby Pacific confirms debut and returning special rounds for 2026

The new Super Rugby Pacific season is now on the horizon, with teams all back starting their pre-Christmas, pre-season trainings ahead of their first warm-up games in January.

With this, comes the announcement from Super Rugby Pacific that round four and 15 will be used as weeks to connect with local communities and people in and around the community.

In round 15, the popular Kids round will return, with teams inviting Kids to be involved in all sorts of initiatives, including game-day playlists and graphics.

Round four will be Club round, as participants from local clubs will play an important role in the game-day experience, including pre-match shows, halftime entertainment, and a race to find the quickest player in each region.

Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley, who has helped create new and exciting initiatives so far in his tenure at the helm, says that these rounds will be good to connect with different groups.

“We are delighted to confirm the introduction of Club Rugby Round and the return of Kids Round as we count down to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season,” Super Rugby Pacific  Mesley said on a SRP statement.

“Club Rugby Round is a special opportunity to connect with our local rugby communities and celebrate the clubs, players and volunteers who are the foundation of our game.

“In Round 4 we want to see those club colours being worn with pride, learn more about the legends of community rugby and inspire more people to get involved with their local club.

“Kids Round has been a great success for our competition over the last few years and in 2026 we’ll be focused on having more fun and creating more unforgettable moments for the younger generations.”

Round 4 & 15 fixtures:

CLUB RUGBY ROUND – ROUND 4

Chiefs v Moana Pasifika – 5.05pm AEDT / 7.05pm NZDT Friday 6 March – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes – 7.35pm AEDT / 9.35pm NZDT Friday 6 March – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Highlanders v Western Force – 2.35pm AEDT / 4.35pm NZDT Saturday 7 March – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Blues v Crusaders – 5.05pm AEDT / 7.05pm NZDT Saturday 7 March – Eden Park, Auckland

ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds – 7.35pm AEDT / 9.35pm NZDT Saturday 7 March – GIO Stadium, Canberra

KIDS ROUND – ROUND 15

Crusaders v Chiefs – 5.05pm AEST / 7.05pm NZST Friday 22 May – One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies – 7.35pm AEST / 9.35pm NZST Friday 22 May – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds – 2.35pm AEST / 4.35pm NZST Saturday 23 May – North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

Hurricanes v Highlanders – 5.05pm AEST / 7.05pm NZST Saturday 23 May – Sky Stadium, Wellington

Western Force v Fijian Drua – 5.35pm AWST / 7.35pm AEST / 9.35pm NZST Saturday 23 May – HBF Park, Perth