Christchurch sets the pace as Super Round hosts line up for 2027

Christchurch has made a strong early move to keep Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round after a big weekend that showed what the event can become across the region.

More than 70,000 fans packed into the new Te Kaha stadium across three days with teams from around the Pacific drawing strong support and creating a festival feel both on and off the field.

Now, the Crusaders want it back and possibly for the long term.

A three-year hosting deal is already being talked about with Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley open to the idea after what he called a standout weekend.

"There are interested other parties but obviously these guys, the Crusaders and the city backed it to bring it back so we will certainly be starting there,"Mesley told a press conference at the end of the last game of the Super Round between the Chiefs and Fijian Drua.

"But we will have conversations with other places as well," Mesley said.

The format, five matches in one place over three days, is quickly finding its place in the Pacific game, bringing together fans, teams, and cultures in one setting.

Colin Mansbridge, Crusaders chief executive, is leading the push to keep it in Christchurch and he is being backed by strong numbers and clear support from the city.

Crusaders players celebrate on home turf after opening Super Round with a strong win in front of their Christchurch crowd.

"We've had about over 70,000 people through, about 13,000 people from out of town, and it should bring in well over $6 million of visitor spend and I think that's probably conservative," Ali Adams, ChristchurchNZ chief executive, told the media.

"When we do the final wash-up, it feels like because we had such good weather and people were out and about spending money. It feels like I think we'll over-deliver so we're really thrilled."

On the field, the rugby delivered right across the weekend. The Crusaders opened with a 35-20 win over the Waratahs, the Hurricanes and Blues followed with big performances on Saturday, and Sunday saw the Highlanders beat Moana Pasifika before the Chiefs closed things out with a 42-22 win over the Drua.

Mesley summed it up simply: "an incredible long weekend for Super Rugby Pacific".

"I think what you saw in there is an environment in the stadium that fans want. And it has been missing in New Zealand probably since the sevens, from everything I know.

"I think there is an event here that people want. I don't think that is relying on the opening of a stadium. And I think it can become something very special."

Highlanders players prepare for action, with Dunedin putting its hand up to host a future Super Round. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

But while Christchurch has momentum, it is far from a done deal.

Down south, the Highlanders are already making their case for Dunedin to host next year’s Super Round. Otago is pointing to the city's indoor stadium and strong rugby culture.

Coach Jamie Joseph believes the city is ready. "Don't forget there's 20,000 students that choose to live in Dunedin for four or five years," he told reporters.

"You may be one of them, I was. Dunedin's an awesome place to host something like Super Round. We've got an indoor stadium that will lend itself quite well."

The Highlanders' Fijian import, Timoci Tavatavanawai, agreed and is backing Dunedin’s tight-knit feel.

"Same kind of ground, same kind of vibe. It's a small city, but there's a lot of people that always support," he told the media. "So yeah, I'll take it down there if they want it."

For now, talks will continue between organisers, teams, and host cities.

Christchurch have set the standard but across the region, others are ready to step up and take their shot.

For more on Super Rugby Pacific, click here.