The Queensland Reds scrum down against the Dunedin-based Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium this season. Picture: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
The draw for Super Rugby Pacific 2025 has been unveiled with a culture round, an ANZAC Day round and a new finals format.
The finals format has had to be rejigged after the Melbourne Rebels were axed this season, reducing team numbers to 11.
The first round kicks off in New Zealand Friday, February 14, with the Christchurch-based Crusaders hosting the Wellington-based Hurricanes.
The season launches in Australia that same night when NSW host the Dunedin-based Highlanders in Sydney.
Click HERE for the 2025 draw
“We are delighted to unveil the draw for 2025 so members and fans can begin circling dates in their diaries and making plans for the season ahead,” Super Rugby Pacific chief executive officer Jack Mesley says.
“From Suva to Sydney, Canberra to Christchurch, and even a blockbuster in Tonga, our competition will again deliver its brand of fast, physical and thrilling rugby, starring some of our game’s greatest athletes,” he says.
“Traditional rivalries will be reignited and new challengers emerge as the reigning champion Blues launch their first title defence in more than two decades.”
The opening round continues on Saturday, February 15, as the Fiji Drua welcome the ACT Brumbies to Suva, Eden Park in Auckland hosts a grand final rematch between the Blues and the Waikato-based Chiefs, and the Force face the Auckland-based Moana Pasifika in Perth.
Culture Round returns in Round Three with a Kids Round earmarked for Round 5.
The Crusaders host the Blues on Good Friday to kick off Round 10 before an Easter Saturday quartet of games across New Zealand, Fiji and Australia.
ANZAC Day will be honoured in Round 11 when the Chiefs (NZ) host the Force (Aust) and the Reds (Aust) face the Blues (NZ) in Brisbane on Friday, April 25.
LARKHAM STAYS
The Brumbies say they have resigned head coach Stephen Larkham for two more seasons.
Since he took over in 2023 Larkham has led the ACT side to back-to-back Super Rugby Semi-Finals appearances.
“As a Canberra local, this opportunity is something I am continually excited by, and I am grateful for the support I have received from Phil [Thomson, CEO] and the Brumbies board in extending my time in the role,” he says.
“I feel the Brumbies are in a great position heading into 2025. I am excited to leverage our recent on-field strength in our preparations as we aim for further success next season.”
Thomson says: “Stephen has made a remarkable contribution since returning to the Head Coach role in 2022 and his extension is something that greatly excites the organisation as a whole.”
“His connection with the playing group has translated into impressive on the field performances by the team in 2023 and 2024 and I am confident he will continue to inspire success at the Super Rugby Pacific level.”
