Hurricanes and Chiefs to contest Super Rugby Grand Final
- Sanzaar Media
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 16
A new champion of Super Rugby Pacific will be crowned in 2026 with the Hurricanes and Chiefs to contest the Grand Final in Wellington on Saturday.
The title defence of the Crusaders ended in Hamilton on Friday night, where the Chiefs ran away for a 49-12 semi-final victory at FMG Stadium Waikato.
The Hurricanes then secured hosting rights for the decider earlier tonight with a dominant 57-21 semi-final triumph over the Blues at Hnry Stadium.
The Hurricanes, who led the competition through the regular season, are hunting their second-ever Super Rugby championship after claiming their inaugural title back in 2016.
Meanwhile it's a fourth-straight Grand Final appearance for the Chiefs, who are desperate for a change of fortune after falling short in the last three deciders.
The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final has officially sold out, with all available tickets snapped up within 15 minutes of going on sale to the general public.
A capacity crowd will be on hand to witness the final chapter of the 2026 season, as two of the competition's standout teams battle for the title.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said the sell-out was a fitting reflection of the momentum built throughout the season.
"To see the Grand Final sell out so quickly is a fantastic result for our competition, the clubs and our fans," he said.
"The Hurricanes and the Chiefs have both produced outstanding rugby throughout the season and it's exciting to see so many fans eager to be part of what promises to be a special occasion.
"The atmosphere in Wellington on Saturday night is going to be incredible and we can't wait to see a packed Hnry Stadium for our pinnacle event.”
Hurricanes CEO Tony Philp said he was elated with the fan response.
“To see Hnry Stadium sold out for a Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final is a fantastic moment for our club and for the Hurricanes region,” he said.
“This is exactly what the club hopes for at the start of the season - the chance play in front of a packed stadium with a championship on the line.
“The city has embraced the opportunity to host the biggest match of the Super Rugby Pacific season and we're looking forward to uniting and exciting our city and our region.”
Super Rugby Pacific is delighted to announce that acclaimed Aotearoa artist Stan Walker will perform at halftime of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final at Hnry Stadium on Saturday.
Fresh off winning Te Māngai Pāho Mana Reo Award at the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards, Walker will bring his trademark energy and powerhouse vocals to rugby's biggest stage in the Pacific, helping create an unforgettable Grand Final experience for fans.
Former Australian Idol winner Walker has a long-standing connection to Super Rugby, having performed at the 2013 Final in Hamilton, when the Chiefs secured back-to-back titles with a memorable victory over the Brumbies.
Now, more than a decade later, Walker returns to the Grand Final stage as the Chiefs chase Super Rugby Pacific glory against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said Walker was the perfect choice to headline the Grand Final entertainment.
"The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final is about bringing together the very best of our game and celebrating the unique culture of our competition,” he said.
“Stan Walker is one of Aotearoa's most iconic performers and we are thrilled to have him as part of the occasion."
Walker said he was excited to be back for what promises to be an incredible conclusion to the 2026 season.
"There's something special about performing in front of rugby fans. The energy and the pride people have for their teams is unreal.
"I’ve got great memories of performing at the 2013 Final and I can't wait to be back for another huge night in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington.”
The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final kicks off at Hnry Stadium on Saturday night, with Walker's half-time performance set to entertain fans both in-stadium and watching around the world.
SATURDAY
Hurricanes (1) v Chiefs (2) @ Hnry Stadium, Wellington (7.05pm NZST/5.05pm AEST)
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