Hurricanes and Chiefs to contest Super Rugby Grand Final

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.

Tickets for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final will go on sale to Hurricanes members from 10am NZST Sunday, Final Access Pass holders at 10am NZST Monday and the general public from 6pm NZST Monday.

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)