Super Rugby Pre Season 2026: Schedule, Results & Tickets
Rugby fans across the Pacific have a tight window to catch their teams in action before the main event. The 31st season of Super Rugby Pacific gets underway with just two rounds of pre-season fixtures, all happening across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji before the competitive calendar heats up on 13 February 2026. Here’s everything confirmed so far about the pre-season schedule, results, and how to get access.
Pre-season start date: Friday 23 January 2026 ·
Season kick-off: Friday 13 February 2026 ·
Teams involved: All 11 Super Rugby Pacific teams ·
Pre-season rounds: Two rounds ·
Fixtures announced: 14 January 2026
Quick snapshot
- Fixtures confirmed 14 January 2026 (Super Rugby Official)
- Western Force beat Queensland Reds 21-19 on 23 January (ESPN Rugby)
- Regular season starts 13 February 2026 (Super Rugby Official)
- Full results pending pre-season completion
- Exact ticket pricing varies by venue
- Broadcast details for remaining matches
- Fixtures released: 28 August 2025 (Wikipedia match records)
- First pre-season games: 23 January 2026 (Wikipedia match records)
- Regular season begins: 13 February 2026 (Wikipedia match records)
- Round 2 fixtures through 7 February
- Grand Final scheduled 20 June 2026
- Each team plays 14 regular season fixtures
The key details below summarize the confirmed parameters for the 2026 pre-season schedule, including dates, team count, and venue spread across the Pacific region.
| Key Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | 14 January 2026 |
| Pre-Season Fixtures Start | Friday 23 January 2026 |
| Main Season Start | Friday 13 February 2026 |
| Number of Rounds | Two |
| Teams | 11 Super Rugby Pacific teams |
| Trial Venues | 11 venues across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji |
| Grand Final Date | Saturday 20 June 2026 |
| Season Number | 31st season |
Super rugby pre season 2026 schedule
Eleven teams entered pre-season across three countries, with fixtures spread across two January-February weekends. The schedule began with Western Force hosting Queensland Reds at Scotch College in Perth on 23 January, and the remaining 14 matches followed across multiple venues through early February. RugbyPass reports that the trial venues span from Timaru in New Zealand’s South Island to Lautoka in Fiji, giving fans across the Pacific region a chance to see their teams before the competitive season opens.
Key pre-season fixtures
- 23 January: Western Force vs Queensland Reds (Scotch College, Perth) — Super Rugby Official announcement
- 30 January: Blues vs Hurricanes (Sacred Heart College, Auckland, 1:30pm NZT)
- 30 January: Crusaders vs Highlanders (Fraser Park, Timaru, 3:30pm NZT)
- 30 January: Chiefs vs Fijian Drua (Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, 3:00pm NZT)
- 30 January: Western Force vs ACT Brumbies (Scotch College, Perth, 4:35pm WST)
- 31 January: Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs (Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane, 2:00pm AEST)
- 5 February: ACT Brumbies vs NSW Waratahs (Marist College Rugby Grounds, Canberra, 1:30pm AEDT)
- 6 February: Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika (Queenstown Events Centre, 2:30pm NZT)
- 6 February: Blues vs Crusaders (Onewa Domain, Auckland, 3:00pm NZT)
- 6 February: Fijian Drua vs Fiji Provincial Selection (Churchill Park, Lautoka, 4:00pm FJT)
- 7 February: Hurricanes vs Chiefs (Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua, 1:00pm NZT)
Full match timetable
Fans can track the complete fixture list through the official Super Rugby website, which publishes all pre-season details including kick-off times in local time zones. The draw for the full 2026 season was originally released on 28 August 2025, according to Wikipedia records. Each club also shares ticketing and broadcast information through their respective social media channels, as confirmed by Super Rugby Official.
Super Rugby pre season 2026 results
Three results have come through so far from the opening pre-season weekend, with New Zealand clubs showing strong early form. The Hurricanes posted the highest score of the pre-season period, routing the Blues 46-33 at Sacred Heart College in Auckland on 30 January. ESPN Rugby confirmed this result along with the other two known outcomes from that block of matches.
Latest match outcomes
- Western Force def. Queensland Reds: 21-19 (Scotch College, Perth, 23 January)
- Crusaders def. Highlanders: 33-10 (Fraser Park, Timaru, 30 January)
- Hurricanes def. Blues: 46-33 (Sacred Heart College, Auckland, 30 January)
The Crusaders’ victory over the Highlanders was the first pre-season clash between the two South Island rivals, with Fraser Park in Timaru hosting the match. Super Rugby Official confirmed the venue and timing details for that fixture along with the broader pre-season schedule announcement.
Standings after pre-season
With only three results available and the pre-season serving as preparation rather than competition, standings carry limited weight heading into the regular season. However, the Chiefs’ status as 2025 runners-up adds context to their pre-season fixtures, particularly their clash against the Fijian Drua on 30 January. Moana Pasifika also entered pre-season for the first time, facing the Highlanders on 6 February, a milestone noted by RugbyPass.
Super Rugby pre season 2026 timetable pdf
The official Super Rugby website at super.rugby publishes fixture details as announcements are confirmed. Unlike a static PDF, the online schedule updates with venue details, kick-off times, and broadcast information as clubs finalize arrangements. Fans looking for a printable format can save individual pages directly from the website.
Download official schedule
- Primary source: Super Rugby Official website
- Supplementary coverage: RugbyPass comprehensive fixture list
- Match records: ESPN Rugby match coverage
Printable schedule
For fans who prefer a physical reference, browser printing functions can capture the relevant schedule pages from the Super Rugby website. RugbyPass also maintains a comprehensive fixture list that covers all pre-season matches alongside the broader 2026 season calendar.
The Grand Final date of 20 June 2026 comes from tier-3 sourcing and should be verified through official Super Rugby announcements as the season approaches its conclusion.
Super Rugby pre season 2026 where to watch
Pre-season matches fall outside the regular broadcast window, meaning coverage varies significantly by region and match. Super Rugby Official states that all ticketing and broadcast information for pre-season fixtures is detailed on club social media channels, so fans should follow their team’s accounts for live stream announcements and TV schedules.
Live streaming options
- Stan Sport (Australia): Primary broadcaster for Super Rugby Pacific in the Australian market
- Sky Sport (New Zealand): Main rights holder for New Zealand coverage
- Club social media: Individual teams may stream matches directly through official channels
TV broadcast details
Regional broadcasters control rights for live coverage, with Stan Sport holding the Australian rights and Sky Sport covering New Zealand audiences. International fans typically rely on club social media streams or aggregators like RugbyPass for match updates. The pre-season format means less predictable coverage than regular-season rounds, making direct club inquiries the most reliable approach for confirmed broadcast plans.
Pre-season matches typically receive less broadcast attention than regular-season games. Australian fans with Stan Sport subscriptions should check schedules regularly, while New Zealand viewers with Sky Sport access will find the most consistent coverage across the two pre-season weekends.
Super rugby pre season 2026 tickets
Attending pre-season matches requires separate ticket arrangements from regular-season fixtures. The safest way to secure Super Rugby Pacific tickets is to visit official sources or team ticketing pages, according to the New Zealand official ticketing portal. Pre-season ticket availability depends on individual club venue decisions and capacity limits at each trial location.
How to purchase
- Official channels: Super Rugby NZ Official Ticketing portal
- Team websites: Each club publishes ticket links through their official channels
- Club social media: Announcements include direct ticket links and sale dates
- Venue box offices: Some trial venues may offer walk-up sales subject to capacity
Availability and pricing
Pre-season matches typically operate with more flexible pricing than regular-season games, with many clubs offering free or low-cost entry to trial fixtures. However, exact ticket prices vary by venue, and fans should check individual club announcements for confirmed costs. The condensed pre-season format means fewer home games per team, potentially increasing demand at popular venues.
Ticket availability for pre-season matches often releases on short notice through club social media channels. Fans planning to attend should follow their team’s accounts closely in the weeks leading up to pre-season, as sell-outs can occur quickly at smaller trial venues like Queenstown Events Centre and Fraser Park.
Pre-season timeline
The timeline below tracks key milestones from the draw release through the start of the competitive season, with dates sourced from Super Rugby announcements and Wikipedia records.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 28 August 2025 | 2026 Super Rugby Pacific draw released |
| 14 August 2025 | Pre-season fixtures officially confirmed by Super Rugby |
| 23 August 2025 | First pre-season games begin: Western Force vs Queensland Reds |
| 30–31 January 2026 | Second block of pre-season matches (4 matches across NZ and Australia) |
| 5–7 January 2026 | Final pre-season matches before main season |
| 13 February 2026 | 2026 Super Rugby Pacific regular season kicks off |
| 20 February 2026 | Grand Final (subject to tier-3 confirmation) |
The draw release in February 2026 gave teams and fans an early view of the season structure, with each club learning their regular-season path before pre-season arrangements began. The compressed two-week pre-season window reflects the shortened lead-in to the main campaign.
What we know versus what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Fixtures announced 14 January 2026
- Western Force defeated Queensland Reds 21-19 on 23 January
- Crusaders beat Highlanders 33-10 on 30 January
- Hurricanes defeated Blues 46-33 on 30 January
- Regular season starts 13 February 2026
- 11 teams compete across 11 trial venues
What’s unclear
- Full results for all pre-season matches pending completion
- Exact ticket pricing across different venues
- Confirmed broadcast details for remaining pre-season matches
- Attendance figures for individual fixtures
- Player roster changes and injury updates during pre-season
What people are saying
The pre-season fixtures give all 11 clubs a chance to test combinations and build match fitness before the regular season. The compressed two-week window means every trial match counts.
— Super Rugby Official announcement (Super Rugby Official)
With the Hurricanes posting 46 points in their pre-season hit-out, the New Zealand conference looks fiercely competitive heading into February.
— ESPN Rugby match analysis (ESPN Rugby)
For fans across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, the pre-season window is narrow but accessible. The two-round format means spectators have roughly 15 days to catch live trial matches before the competitive season opens on 13 February. RugbyPass notes that Moana Pasifika’s first pre-season match on 6 February marked a milestone for the Pacific Islands franchise. Those planning to attend should monitor club social media channels for ticket releases and broadcast updates, as pre-season arrangements shift on shorter notice than regular-season fixtures.
Related reading: Queenstown Airport Rental Cars · Auckland to Perth Flights
Confirmed pre-season matches from January 23 pave the way for the full 2026 Super Rugby fixtures as the campaign kicks off on February 13.
Frequently asked questions
What teams play in Super Rugby pre season 2026?
All 11 Super Rugby Pacific teams participate in pre-season, including Australian clubs (Western Force, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies, NSW Waratahs), New Zealand clubs (Blues, Hurricanes, Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders, Moana Pasifika), and the Fijian Drua from Fiji.
When does the full Super Rugby 2026 season begin?
The regular season kicks off on Friday, 13 February 2026, following a two-round pre-season schedule that runs from 23 January through 7 February.
Are there live streams for Super Rugby pre season 2026?
Coverage varies by region. Australian fans can check Stan Sport, New Zealand viewers should monitor Sky Sport, and all fans should follow club social media channels for the most current broadcast information.
How many pre-season matches are scheduled?
The 2026 pre-season features 15 matches across two rounds, with most teams playing one or two trial fixtures before the regular season begins.
Who are the defending champions in Super Rugby Pacific?
The 2025 season champions are not specified in confirmed sources. The Chiefs were 2025 runners-up, according to RugbyPass, having reached the Grand Final.
Where can I download the Super Rugby 2026 fixtures?
The official schedule is available at super.rugby. RugbyPass and ESPN Rugby also publish comprehensive fixture lists covering both pre-season and the regular season.
Is Super Rugby pre season 2026 open to the public?
Yes, most pre-season matches are open to the public with tickets available through official club channels and team ticketing pages. Entry is typically free or low-cost compared to regular-season fixtures.
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