Central city, Sport & recreation, Things to do  |  Yesterday

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The city of Christchurch, the Crusaders and Super Rugby Pacific have joined forces to bring Super Round to Christchurch in 2026, marking the first major sporting event at the brand new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha.

Super Round 2026 will combine world-class rugby with live music and family-friendly fun, as fans from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific come together to celebrate a historic festival of footy in Christchurch.

Set for Round 11 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, from April 24 to 26, 10 teams will descend on the city for five high-stakes matches across one blockbuster weekend.  

Super Round will give fans one of the first chances to experience Ōtautahi Christchurch’s brand-new, state-of-the-art One New Zealand Stadium. With 25,000 seats under a fixed roof, and a prime location in the city centre, the stadium is the perfect venue for three days of entertaining rugby.  

With fixture details to be confirmed in the coming weeks, the opening act of Super Round on Friday 24 April will feature hometown heroes and defending champions the Crusaders. 
  
The following day the competition’s burgeoning Anzac Day rivalries reignite as the Hurricanes face the ACT Brumbies for the Captain Shout Cup, and the Blues tackle the Queensland Reds, with the players competing for the Sellars Dixon Medal. 
  
The action concludes with another blockbuster double-header on Sunday 26 April. 
 
Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch, says the event is hugely exciting for the city.

“The opening event at One New Zealand Stadium will be a major milestone in the remarkable comeback story of our city and it is great to share that with our friends and neighbours from all across the country, Australia and the Pacific.  
  
“We are really proud to be able to launch this amazing venue on behalf of Christchurch and know it will be a place where great memories are made.”

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders CEO, says the franchise is proud to bring this event to their home base.

“This event is bigger than rugby, it’s a celebration of One New Zealand Stadium coming to life.  

“I’m stoked the new stadium is going to host rugby, concerts and an amazing array of community events – but there’s no better way to kick it off than recognise the DNA of this region and start with Super Round hosted by Super Rugby Pacific and the very grateful Crusaders club.”

Jack Mesley, CEO of Super Rugby Pacific, says holding the event in Christchurch and playing a key role in opening the new stadium is a great way to bring back Super Round.

“Super Round is a celebration of what makes Super Rugby Pacific special. Fans can expect fast-paced rugby, classic rivalries, and an electric stadium atmosphere as supporters across the Pacific come together to celebrate Super Round.  

“Hosting this event in Ōtautahi Christchurch is a fantastic way to showcase the best of our competition. We’re excited to work with the city and the Crusaders to deliver something unforgettable.”

Fixture and event details, including information on tickets, travel and hospitality packages, will be announced in due course.

Fans are encouraged to plan early for what promises to be a landmark moment for Christchurch and Super Rugby Pacific.