Stars light up Super Rugby Pacific launch in Sydney

On Wednesday the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season was launched at Little Bay Beach. This season promises even more thrills and spills - on and off the field. Karen Watson

The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season was officially launched in Sydney on Wednesday, as players representing the 11 clubs came together for a spectacular coastal event.

The players starred in a photoshoot on Little Bay Beach before participating in an Indigenous smoking ceremony led by Uncle Leslie McLeod, on-stage formalities and media interviews.

The clubs were represented by Beauden Barrett (Blues), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs), Julian Savea (Moana Pasifika), Rob Valetini (ACT Brumbies), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua), Ruben Love (Hurricanes), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force), Braydon Ennor (Crusaders), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Queensland Reds), Aidan Ross (Chiefs) and Sean Withy (Highlanders).

“There are so many reasons to be excited as we count down the days to kicking off the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.

“With our fans front of mind we continue to innovate, on and off the field, to ensure we are delivering the most dynamic and engaging rugby competition in the world.

“At the same time we are blessed to showcase some of the greatest athletes on the planet going head-to-head in arenas across the Pacific region.

“Last season it was the Blues who broke a 21-year title drought to lift the trophy at Eden Park and this year they become the hunted.

“There are so many storylines to play out and I encourage all fans to get involved, grab a membership and a jersey, take on your mates in Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy and get to the games to support your team.”

In 2025 Super Rugby Pacific will feature 77 matches across an extended 16-round regular season, culminating in a revamped six-team Finals Series.

The season kicks off on Friday 14 February with the ultimate Valentine’s Day entertainment as Kiwi heavyweights the Crusaders and Hurricanes clash in Christchurch, before the new-look Waratahs tackle the Highlanders in Sydney.

The opening round continues on Saturday 15 February as the Fijian Drua welcome the Brumbies to Suva for ‘Valetini Day’ as brothers Rob and Kemu renew their sibling rivalry.

Then it’s off to Auckland’s Eden Park for a Grand Final rematch between the Blues and Chiefs, before the blockbuster opening weekend concludes with the Force facing Moana Pasifika at Perth’s HBF Park.

Super Rugby Pacific pre-season fixtures

Thursday: Highlanders v Crusaders – Rugby Park, Invercargill

Friday: ACT Brumbies v Western Force – Marist College Canberra

Friday: Queensland Reds v Ulster – Kingspan Stadium, Belfast

Friday: Hurricanes v Blues – William Jones Park, Wainuiomata

Saturday: Chiefs v Moana Pasifika – Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe