Following a string of social media teasers from all the clubs, the full 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season draw is set for release this Thursday, 28 August.
However, fans are already set for a taste of what is to come with a confirmed blockbuster opening round filled with local derbies.
Trans-Tasman derbies are set for a shake-up in the 2026 draw, with the Queensland Reds hosting the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium on April 11, ending a three-year run of away games against the perennial powerhouse.
In addition, the ACT Brumbies will also welcome the Blues to Canberra on February 28, the first time the Auckland-based side have played at GIO Stadium since 2022.
The confirmed fixtures follows news that Super Round will return in 2026, launching the new home of the Crusaders at One New Zealand in Christchurch.
The defending champions will kick off their 2026 season with a classic South Island derby clash, as they head to Dunedin to face the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Last year’s runners up, the Chiefs, will also start their season on the road as they head to Auckland to face the Blues.
Across the ditch, Aussie fans will be treated to a spectacular opening weekend with local derbies confirmed for successive February nights.
The NSW Waratahs will host the Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium on Friday 13 February, before the Western Force welcome the ACT Brumbies to HBF Park on Saturday 14 February.
In a statement, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar welcomed the push for early season derbies.
“It’s good for the competition that we’re starting with a game of such significance,” McKellar said.
“Round 1 … New South Wales versus Queensland. I don’t think it gets any bigger than that.
“It’s a rivalry that goes back more than a hundred years [to 1882], and one that the fans will get excited about in 2026.”
Meanwhile, the Force-Brumbies game holds particular significance with the West Australian club’s first-ever competition clash in 2006 coming against their ACT rivals.
Finally, one of the newest derbies in the competition is also set to re-ignite in the Pacific, as 2025 wooden spooners Fijian Drua will host Moana Pasifika in Lautoka to open their 2026 campaign.
2026 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC – ROUND 1 FIXTURES
Highlanders v Crusaders – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – 7.05pm (local) Friday 13 February
NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds – Allianz Stadium, Sydney – 7.35pm (local) Friday 13 February
Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika – Churchill Park, Lautoka – 3.35pm (local) Saturday 14 February
Blues v Chiefs – TBC, Auckland – 7.05pm (local) Saturday 14 February
Western Force v ACT Brumbies – 4.35pm (local) Saturday 14 February