Super Rugby 2026

[sparky]

Super Rugby to tweak its "lucky loser" concept:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360785223/super-rugby-pacific-tweak-lucky-loser-playoff-concept-2026

[Duluth]

So with the lucky loser dropping to the last seed, this would've been the SF's

Crusaders v Chiefs
Brumbies v Blues

Seems tough on the new top seed but at least the loser gets punished more

[Bones]

@Duluth yeah although not sure the brumbies could have complained much.... they should have done better in the RR is my view.

[Bovidae]

Jack Mesley should have had the balls to just have SFs but they (broadcasters and SR) want the extra playoff games.

[Dan54]

Yep and as broadcasters pay the bills, you got to do what they say like it or not.

[Canes4life]

Super Round confirmed for Chch.

Blues vs Reds
Hurricanes vs Brumbies
Other matches TBC

[Kirwan]

@Duluth said in Super Rugby 2026:

So with the lucky loser dropping to the last seed, this would've been the SF's

Crusaders v Chiefs
Brumbies v Blues

Seems tough on the new top seed but at least the loser gets punished more

That seems a better system. Losing in the finals should be painful, getting the second life is reward enough

[SouthernMann]

@Canes4life got my timing out by a week

[sparky]

@Canes4life I'm not sure I like the idea of the Super Round as games played in front of neutral fans lack atmosphere, but at least his year it should be played in a full or nearly full stadium.

[Canes4life]

@sparky said in Super Rugby 2026:

@Canes4life I'm not sure I like the idea of the Super Round as games played in front of neutral fans lack atmosphere, but at least his year it should be played in a full or nearly full stadium.

I don’t mind it. They should try and incorporate a party atmosphere. I think Chch with the new stadium will be a success.

[Bovidae]

So does the bottom team from 2025 miss out?

I'm sure it will be either the Force or Drua.

[Bones]

@Bovidae said in Super Rugby 2026:

So does the bottom team from 2025 miss out?

I'm sure it will be either the Force or Drua.

They can play the Anzac team!

[ploughboy]

I will probably travel to watch this. If it was in Welly or auckland probably not

[frugby]

Highlanders are definitely playing, as we are playing a home game there. Likely means we are playing the Waratahs or Moana. Leaves the Crusaders to play the Drua.

[Canes4life]

@ploughboy said in Super Rugby 2026:

I will probably travel to watch this. If it was in Welly or auckland probably not

Rude.

[zedsdeadbaby]

Western Force have missed out.

Crusaders will play either the Chiefs or Highlanders

[SouthernMann]

Have had one person tell me ticketing will be through day passes. Interested to see what the schedule will be.

[Chris]

@zedsdeadbaby said in Super Rugby 2026:

Western Force have missed out.

Crusaders will play either the Chiefs or Highlanders

Highlanders

[African Monkey]

@zedsdeadbaby said in Super Rugby 2026:

Western Force have missed out.

Crusaders will play either the Chiefs or Highlanders

Makes most sense to leave the Force out, with how far they have to travel.

[Bovidae]

Make the Aussie teams give up a home game this time.