New Zealand Rugby has launched a new Super Rugby Development programme with a series of matches running from 14 February to 11 April.
The programme will alongside the first nine weeks of the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season with the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Highlanders and Crusaders playing five fixtures each.
The first round of matches kick-off on Saturday 14 February in Timaru where the Crusaders play the Highlanders, while the Blues and Chiefs development teams will play at 4.25pm at Eden Park – a curtain raiser to the Blues v Chiefs DHL Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 fixture at 7.05pm. The Hurricanes Development team have the first round bye.
NZR High Performance Player Development Manager Matt Sexton said the core purpose of the programme was to provide more meaningful match opportunities for a wider group of emerging and developing players.
“The Men’s Pathways Review reinforced the value of exposing a wider group of players to high performance environments and creating a clearer pathway for developing players and this is a direct response to that feedback.
“The programme will provide more opportunities to players and coaches across the system while strengthening the link from provincial unions to Super Rugby.”
Squads would be a mix of contracted Super Rugby players requiring game time, and emerging and developing players including opportunities for Provincial Union National Development Contracts.
“We know players develop at different rates, and the ability to get consistent game time at a higher level is critical,” Sexton said. “These matches will be valuable to players in the Super Rugby wider training groups and younger high potential players stepping up to the next level and playing alongside seasoned professionals.”
A key feature of the programme is the collaboration between NZR, Provincial Unions and the five Super Rugby clubs, with a mix of Super and Provincial Union coaches guiding the respective teams.
“It’s a great example of our Provincial Unions and Super Rugby clubs working together to strengthen the pathway,” Sexton said. “Having provincial coaches involved helps align development priorities and provides a clearer bridge between academy, province, and Super Rugby.”
Sexton said the programme would also offer additional benefits beyond player development.
“It’s a positive for players and coaches, but it’s also a valuable development tool for match officials and match management. And for fans, it provides a deeper look into the wider New Zealand talent pool and how the pathway works in practice.”
NZR also confirmed there will be an U20 development programme including matches in late March, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
2026 Hurricanes Hunters Fixtures:
Week 1: Bye
Week 2: v Crusaders at Linwood RFC, Christchurch. KO 12:30pm, Saturday 21 February
Week 3: v Blues at University Rugby Club, Auckland. KO 2pm, Saturday 28 February
Week 4: v Chiefs at NZCIS, Upper Hutt. KO 11:30am, Friday 6 March
Week 5: Bye
Week 6: v Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. KO 4:30pm, Friday 20 March
Week 7: v Blues at Venue TBC, Wellington. KO 2pm, Saturday 28 March
Week 8: Bye
