Super Rugby announces revamped tournament structure
SPOTLIGHT: Super Rugby Pacific confirmed a revamped competition structure for the 2027 season, featuring an expanded regular season and a new high-stakes Finals Series.
In 2027, the action will begin on Friday, February 12, with the competition’s ten teams going head-to-head across an extended 17-week regular season.
The extra week combined with a reduction in byes from two to one will see each team play 16 regular-season matches – two more than in 2026.
The squads for the first-ever Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test will be named following Round Nine, effectively transforming the opening two months of the season into an intriguing shoot-out for national selection.
A rejig of the Finals Series for 2027 means the top six teams on the ladder will still qualify; however, the teams that finish first and second will receive a week off and advance directly to the semifinals.
Teams ranked third and fourth will host sudden-death elimination finals against the teams finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, with the winners progressing as away teams for the semifinal fixtures.
The 2027 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final will be played on Saturday, June 27.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said the refreshed format had been designed to make the most of the 20-week competition window while delivering a more compelling Finals Series.
“We’re delighted to have developed a structure that pushes the limits of our competition window to deliver more games and give every fan more opportunities to see their favourite teams in action,” Mesley said.
“At the same time, our new-look Finals Series ensures teams will be more desperate than ever to finish in the top two to secure a week off, and the top four to host a home Final, while every Finals game will be a genuine do-or-die contest on the road to the championship.
“The introduction of the Anzac Bledisloe to our calendar will help ensure every match means more, with Test jerseys up for grabs from the moment we kick off in February.
“Off the back of the success of Super Round in 2026, we are working diligently to confirm it remains an integral part of our calendar next year.
“We’re already looking forward to the storylines, drama and excitement that this new structure will help deliver for Super Rugby Pacific in 2027.”
Further details regarding the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific draw will be announced in the coming weeks.
2027 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINALS SERIES
WEEK ONE – ELIMINATION FINALS
No.3 v No.6
No.4 v No.5
WEEK TWO – SEMIFINALS
No.1 v lowest-seeded EF winner
No.2 v highest-seeded EF winner
WEEK THREE – GRAND FINAL
Highest-seeded SF winner v Lowest-seeded SF winner
