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The Super Round will return to One NZ Stadium in Christchurch next season with Super Rugby Pacific revealing Friday’s five-game schedule. The announcement follows the success of the 2026 edition, with 10 Super Rugby Pacific teams taking to the field over three days.
Thousands of fans filled the state-of-the-art venue for the Super Round last season, with Crusaders defeating NSW Waratahs first up. The hosts will again feature in the opening game when the three-day tournament kicks off on April 2.
It’s a new era for the Crusaders without long-serving midfielder David Havili, but Richie Mo’unga has signed a deal to return to the competition. The serial rugby champions take on Australian rugby giants ACT Brumbies at 19:35 on Friday.
It is the first of four trans-Tasman derby, which includes a double-header on Saturday night, starting at Bosses against the West Force at 17:05. Then, the Blues and NSW Waratahs will take the field for an intriguing match.
Jamie Joseph’s Highlanders will be tested against Fijian Drua on Sunday afternoon, before the defending champions Hurricanes face the Queensland Reds. Christchurch, Super Rugby Pacific and New Zealand The government confirmed on Friday that the event is returning.
“The Super Round delivered one of the best weekends in our competition’s history in 2026 and we can’t wait for it to be even bigger in 2027,” said Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley.
“His placement in Round 8 provides the perfect springboard into a very exciting stretch of our season as we head towards the first match of the Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup in Round 11.
“Ten teams, one city and an unforgettable weekend for fans. We look forward to working with ChristchurchNZ and the New Zealand Government to once again bring the best of our competition to ?tautaha Christchurch.”
“The city hosted the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Super Round with huge success, the weekend far exceeded all expectations and predictions. Again delivering this event is testament to our ability to deliver a number of internationally significant major events,” explained Christchurch’s Phil Maugher.
“Christchurch City Council, together with 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 deliver economic benefits for the city.”
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston added: “The Super Round is just the kind of event to attract the Government’s one-off event attraction package. 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.”
2027 Super Round Schedules
Friday, April 2
Crusaders v ACT Brumbies — 19:35 NZT
Saturday, April 3
Chiefs v Western Force — 17:05 NZT
Blues v NSW Waratahs — 19:35 NZT
Sunday, April 4
Highlanders at Fijian Drua — 14:00 NZT
Hurricanes – Queensland Reds – 16:30 NZT
