The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies will feature against the Hurricanes in next year’s Super Round in Christchurch in April at the newly built One New Zealand Stadium.
Having taken a backseat in 2025, Super Round will return in Round 11 of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April next year.
The Brumbies will participate in the second running of the Captain Shout Cup on that weekend, renewing the burgeoning rival against the Hurricanes.
Captain Allan Alaalatoa welcomed the return of Super Round next season and looked forward to opposing the Wellington-based side on the big stage.
“It’s exciting to have Super Round back. It was always an incredible event in the calendar for the fans, having so many world-class players and teams in one city,” Alaalatoa said.
“I’m sure next year’s Super Round in Christchurch, at their newly built stadium, will be no different.
“It was a privilege to learn about Captain Alfred Shout last season and the sacrifices he made for Australia and New Zealand. We’ll be looking forward to battling the Hurricanes for the Cup that weekend.”
The Brumbies were defeated 35-29 in the first renewal of the Captain Shout Cup at GIO Stadium during Anzac Weekend Round in April, but went on to get one back on their opponents with a 35-28 win in the qualifying final at the same ground in June.
Named in honour of Captain Alfred Shout VC, MC, a hero of Gallipoli with ties to both Australia and New Zealand, the Captain Shout Cup symbolises the enduring legacy of Anzac, sacrifice, and shared history.
With Canberra and Wellington having been Sister Cities for almost a decade, it was determined between the clubs to bring some greater meaning to this fixture with the implementation of a ‘cup’.
Meanwhile, Super Round in 2026 will give fans one of the first chances to experience Ōtautahi Christchurch’s brand-new, state-of-the-art One NZ 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.
The remaining fixtures will be announced over the coming weeks, with the home side Crusaders confirmed to play on Friday 24th April, with the Brumbies vs Hurricanes and Reds vs Blues fixtures confirmed for the Saturday 25th April.
Chief executive of Super Rugby Pacific, Jack Mesley, played rugby for the Brumbies Under 19s while studying at the University of Canberra, was delighted to see the return of Super Round open the brand-new stadium in Christchurch.
“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,” Mesley said.
“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.
