Club Rugby Round and Kids Round Confirmed for 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Season

Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed two major community-focused initiatives for the 2026 season, with the introduction of the competition’s inaugural Club Rugby Round and the return of the much-loved Kids Round. Designed to strengthen connections between the professional game and grassroots rugby, the two rounds will celebrate the people, clubs, and young players who form the backbone and future of the sport across Australia and New Zealand.

The announcements form part of the official 2026 Super Rugby Pacific draw and underline the competition’s continued commitment to growing rugby participation, supporting community clubs, and inspiring the next generation of fans and players.

Club Rugby Round to Debut in Round 4

The first-ever Club Rugby Round will be staged in Round 4 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with activities taking place during the week commencing Monday, 2 March 2026. All 11 Super Rugby Pacific clubs will take part, using the round to actively engage with their local rugby communities.

Club Rugby Round will focus on recognizing the grassroots clubs, volunteers, and players who provide the foundation of the game. Across Australia and New Zealand, Super Rugby Pacific teams will visit local clubs, connect with junior and senior players, and help promote club registrations ahead of the domestic rugby season.

On match days, club rugby participants will feature prominently in pre-game and half-time entertainment, ensuring community rugby is visible on the sport’s biggest stages. Adding a personal touch, Super Rugby Pacific players will wear the socks of community clubs that played important roles in their rugby journeys, highlighting the pathways from local fields to professional stadiums.

Several clubs will also host unique activations. The Highlanders will run a sprint race to determine the fastest club rugby player in their region, while relay races in Sydney and Canberra will bring together clubs in friendly competition, adding an extra layer of excitement and local pride.

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said the round is about recognizing the heart of the game.

“Club Rugby Round is a special opportunity to connect with our local rugby communities and celebrate the clubs, players, and volunteers who are the foundation of our game,” Mesley said.

“In Round 4 we want to see those club colors being worn with pride, learn more about the legends of community rugby, and inspire more people to get involved with their local club.”

Club Rugby Round – Round 4 Fixtures

• Chiefs v Moana Pasifika
  Friday 6 March – FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

• NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes
  Friday 6 March – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

• Highlanders v Western Force
  Saturday 7 March – Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

• Blues v Crusaders
  Saturday 7 March – Eden Park, Auckland

• ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds
  Saturday 7 March – GIO Stadium, Canberra

Kids Round Returns in Round 15

Following its success in recent seasons, Kids Round will return in Round 15 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, placing young fans and players at the centre of the match-day experience.

Kids Round is designed to celebrate the next generation of rugby, giving children the chance to be actively involved rather than just spectators. Throughout the round, Super Rugby Pacific clubs will engage with local schools and junior rugby clubs, creating opportunities for kids to participate in unique behind-the-scenes and game-day activities.

Young fans will be invited to help design match-day graphics, contribute to stadium playlists, and take part in on-field moments, helping to create an inclusive and memorable experience. The initiative also aims to strengthen the connection between professional teams and junior rugby pathways.

“Kids Round has been a great success for our competition over the last few years,” Mesley said. “In 2026 we’ll be focused on having more fun and creating more unforgettable moments for the younger generations.”

Kids Round – Round 15 Fixtures

• Crusaders v Chiefs
  Friday 22 May – One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

• NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies
  Friday 22 May – Allianz Stadium, Sydney

• Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds
  Saturday 23 May – North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

• Hurricanes v Highlanders
  Saturday 23 May – Sky Stadium, Wellington

• Western Force v Fijian Drua
  Saturday 23 May – HBF Park, Perth

Strengthening the Pathway from Grassroots to Professional Rugby

Together, Club Rugby Round and Kids Round highlight Super Rugby Pacific’s long-term vision for the sport. By celebrating community clubs and engaging young fans, the competition is reinforcing the pathway that connects junior rugby, club rugby, and the professional game.

Grassroots clubs remain essential to rugby’s growth, providing opportunities for participation, development, and community connection. Initiatives like Club Rugby Round aim to ensure these clubs feel recognized and supported, while Kids Round continues to inspire the next generation to pick up a ball, attend matches, and dream of playing at the highest level.

With the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season set to deliver high-quality rugby alongside meaningful community engagement, both rounds are expected to become highlights of the calendar for players, fans, and clubs alike.

The full 2026 Super Rugby Pacific draw is now available, with Club Rugby Round and Kids Round confirmed as key pillars of the competition’s commitment to community, participation, and the future of rugby.