Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Super Rugby set for Fiji excursion for Chiefs vs Crusaders

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Super Rugby will continue its expansion next year with the Waikato Chiefs playing one of their home games in Fiji, the first time a match has been played in the Pacific Islands.

The previously wholly southern hemisphere rugby competition is expanding to 18 teams next season with sides in South Africa, Argentina and Japan joining the tournament.

Japan's Sunwolves side will play some of their home matches in Singapore.

The Chiefs will play the seven-time champion Canterbury Crusaders in Suva on July 1. It is only the second time a New Zealand side will play a home match outside of their country.

The Crusaders played a 'home' match against South Africa's Sharks in London in 2011 following a devastating earthquake that forced the team to play all of their games away from Christchurch that season.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"This is a great opportunity to take the... Chiefs to Fiji and help promote the game in their country," Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman said.

"Fijians have added a huge amount to New Zealand's rugby heritage and it is fitting that we can give something back as well as expose our brand in a new territory.

"We know how much the Pacific Island people love their rugby and this year's test match between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks was testament to that."

The Crusaders had investigated taking one of their home matches to Fiji during the 2015 season due to a scheduling clash with soccer's under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, but instead played the game against the Wellington Hurricanes in Nelson.

Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo played for Fiji at the recent Rugby World Cup in England, while he will be joined by flyhalf Ben Volavola next season after Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor all signed European contracts.

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by John O'Brien)


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world