Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round will return to Christchurch in 2027 after the city successfully hosted the event this year.
Five games will be played at One New Zealand Stadium across three days for round eight, starting with the Crusaders facing the Brumbies on April 2.
On Saturday, the Chiefs will meet the Western Force followed by the Blues clashing with the Waratahs, while on Sunday, the Highlanders play Fijian Drua before the defending champion Hurricanes take on the Queensland Reds.
Super Rugby chief executive Jack Mesley said they are excited to build on a successful weekend.
“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.
“Its 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 Ōtautahi Christchurch once again.”
The round will again likely have big economic benefits for the Garden City.
Earlier this year, the three-day celebration over Anzac weekend served as a grand opening of sorts for Te Kaha.
More than 73,000 spectators attended.
Of the domestic attendees, 16,570 were from outside of Christchurch and almost 4000 from countries including the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
A Fresh Info report says spending was more than double predictions – topping $13.1 million.
The event is being supported by the Government’s one-off Events Attraction Package.
“Super Round is exactly the kind of event the Government’s one-off Events Attraction Package was created to attract,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said.
“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.”
The event can’t be held over Anzac weekend this year, as the All Blacks face the Wallabies in a Bledisloe Cup fixture on April 25.
Melbourne initially hosted Super Round from 2022-2024, but struggled to draw crowds.
The 2027 season will begin on February 12, with the competition’s 10 teams going head-to-head across an extended 17-week regular season.
The extra week and a reduction from two byes to one will see each team play 16 regular season matches – two more than 2026.
With no Moana Pasifika, the finals format has changed. The top six will still play finals, but the first and second teams will have the week off and advance straight to the semi-finals.
Super Round fixtures for 2026:
Friday, April 2: Crusaders v ACT Brumbies – 7.35pm
Saturday, April 3: Chiefs v Western Force – 5.05pm
Saturday, April 3: Blues v NSW Waratahs – 7.35pm
Sunday, April 4: Highlanders v Fijian Drua – 2pm
Sunday, April 4: Hurricanes v Queensland Reds – 4.30pm
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.