'Every match means more': Changes to Super Rugby season confirmed

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Author: Samuel Sherry,
Publish Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2026, 1:59pm

Super Rugby Pacific has announced changes to the competition from next year, including an expanded season and the removal of the lucky loser in finals.

The competition will start on February 12, with 10 teams playing 16 matches across a 17-week regular season with one fewer bye week.

The finals series has also been tweaked as the top six teams will still qualify, but those finishing in the top two will progress straight to the semi-finals.

Teams placed third and fourth will host elimination finals games against fifth and sixth, with the winners progressing to the semi-finals.

This eliminates the lucky loser concept, where the highest seeded losing team from the qualifying weekend would progress to the semi-finals.

Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley said the new format will help create more meaningful moments and maximise the competition window.

“We’re delighted to have developed a structure that pushes the limits of our competition window to deliver more games and give every fan more opportunities to see their favourite teams in action,” Mesley said.

“At the same time, our new-look Finals Series ensures teams will be more desperate than ever to finish in the top two to secure a week off, and the top four to host a home Final, while every Finals game will be a genuine do-or-die contest on the road to the championship.

“The introduction of the Anzac Bledisloe to our calendar will help ensure every match means more, with Test jerseys up for grabs from the moment we kick off in February.

“We’re already looking forward to the storylines, drama and excitement that this new structure will help deliver for Super Rugby Pacific in 2027.”

The 2027 Super Rugby Pacific grand final is scheduled for Saturday, June 26.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster had previously confirmed that players selected for the All Blacks as part of the Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup tests will miss the preceding round of Super Rugby matches.

Lancaster also said the Anzac weekend would be a full bye round for the competition and the players would be released immediately back to their squads after the test.