Super Rugby Pacific 2025

[Highlander35]

Full H&A is great. Can you squeeze the approx 23 gameweeks required (18 games + 3 weeks playoffs + 2 byes) in before the first weekend in July for the mid-year internationals?

If this were an ordinary year, that would mean having round 1 be on Jan 24-26, rather than Feb 14-16 as it was this year: and even earlier if you want a week off between Super Rugby finals and the inbound tests.

 

[JRugby2]

So be it? Every other pro comp in the world including plays through January. We play all of our trial games in the heat, and it's hot pretty much all the time in places like Fiji - so that's not a legitimate reason not to IMO

If we can sort out the logistical issues around stadium use, we should be doing this.

 

[Dan54]

Naa @JRugby2 , I think even Feb is too early to be playing rugby in the heat of Brissy etc. Every other pro comp is basically playing in middle of winter in January.
Though you could do it if really needed, but playing in 30 degree heat isn't good.

 

[Wilson]

May as well have the July window pushed back a bit, there's plenty of room between it and the Rugby Championship. Would give breathing room between it and the Northern club finals too (before the French add a couple more weeks to their season).

 

[Dan54]

Great idea, although probably have trouble pushing it back as it starts getting close to NH club comp? Basically player rest protocols between seasons. Be good if we could get it all sorted though.

 

[JRugby2]

I agree it's not ideal but it can be managed - I'm not against modifications to the game (eg: when it gets to above 30 or whatever - playing in quarters, extended breaks, extended benches or relaxed sub laws) if it makes it work. We just saw Japan and Wales go at it in mid 30 degree temperatures, and it's regularly that hot year round in the islands.

Ultimately the players should be expected to adapt.

 

[Wilson]

Great idea, although probably have trouble pushing it back as it starts getting close to NH club comp? Basically player rest protocols between seasons. Be good if we could get it all sorted though.

What are they gonna do, send out B teams?

I don't see why we would continue to timebox our club season for the sake of theirs when they don't even respect the test window enough to send out full strength squads.

 

[Highlander35]

The window was already pushed back after the 2019 RWC no? Games went from being scheduled on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks of June to 1st, 2nd and 3rd weekends of July, notionally to allow for Super Rugby to conclude prior to the window.

 

[Wilson]

It was moved, partially for Super Rugby, partially to give the European club comps time to finish before the tests so they would (or at least could) bring out full strength squads. The French then went ahead and pushed the top 14 finals out a month.

 

[Dan54]

What are they gonna do, send out B teams?

I don't see why we would continue to timebox our club season for the sake of theirs when they don't even respect the test window enough to send out full strength squads.

Not disagreeing mate, but they not going to sign up for changing the test window is what I meant. And like it or not down this way we need the income.

 

[RebelYell]

Full H&A is great. Can you squeeze the approx 23 gameweeks required (18 games + 3 weeks playoffs + 2 byes) in before the first weekend in July for the mid-year internationals?

I guess question is, do we need 2 byes?

 

[Adam84]

But I thought Kiwis didn't support sporting events on ANZAC Day...

The Warriors are heading back to the capital, with Wellington’s Sky Stadium confirmed as the venue for their 2026 NRL Anzac Day match.

Traditionally, the Warriors had played the Storm in Melbourne on April 25, but this will be the third consecutive year the club has brought the occasion to New Zealand.

“With it being a long weekend, it’s a great opportunity for the people of Wellington and surrounding areas as well as those from throughout the country and Australia to make the most it.

“The Warriors are one of the country’s most popular sports teams and we are thrilled to be bringing them, and the NRL, back to Sky Stadium in 2026,” said Dent.

“The Anzac Day fixture promises to be a special occasion, a great addition to our event schedule, and one that we know fans from Wellington and across the country will be excited by.”

Warriors to host 2026 Anzac Day clash in Wellington

Wellington last hosted an NRL game back in 2023 against the Knights.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[WoodysRFC]

Maybe elderly Kiwis and NZR don't, rest of us love it.

 

[Dan54]

No Adam, I said I wasn't comfortable with using ANZAC day as a money spinner test, noone said they were against normal games on that day.
And please don't use League as a barometer of what is right or wrong mate.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

I suggest you make your way over to the main rugby subreddit then. Plenty of your fellow Kiwis saying exactly that. Same over on PR. Which I know you frequent.

 

[Adam84]

Nah not what you said, you inferred playing sport on ANZAC Day for the commercial gain is just an Aussie thing, not something Kiwis support.

Given the Warriors crowds to their Anzac Day events, and now other stadiums bidding to host the event, clearly kiwis do enjoy sporting events on Anzac Day.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Next year's "lucky loser" will be relegated to fourth seed for SF.

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

I call that a rare win for common sense.

Article goes on to say the Super Round will be held over Easter at the new Christchurch stadium. I just hope the infrastructure is up to it.

 

[Highlander35]

1 extra fixture is not worth the lucky loser nonsense

 

[Wilson]

You say that, but I'm pretty sure the broadcasters who are paying for it and the teams making money off of hosting it disagree

 

[WoodysRFC]

Seems the teams were against having a bye round as they didn't like coming into the semis under done. In hindsight, may have suited the Chiefs.