The 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki draw is here!
Mark your calendars and get ready for the fifth season of Super Rugby Aupiki. The 2026 draw has landed, and this year is shaping up to be a season to remember.
Matatū will open their 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki campaign at One New Zealand Stadium on Saturday 13 June, a brand‑new venue for the team and an exciting step into a fresh chapter.
It’ll kick off a season that promises energy, connection and a fierce sense of unfinished business. It gives the squad a chance to start their season in front of a growing home base that’s right behind them.
In Round One, we face Chiefs Manawa at 4.05pm in Christchurch before heading north the following week to take on Hurricanes Poua in Upper Hutt on Sunday 21 June at Maidstone Park.
Round Three brings a headline moment: a grand final rematch against the Blues Women on Saturday 27 June at Navigation Homes Stadium.
We don’t hide the emotion behind this one. Last year’s final left its mark, and we’ve been working hard to earn another shot. The desire for redemption is real, and this clash will have an extra edge. It’s also part of the competition’s new All In weekend, where every team gathers in one location.
Details are still to come from New Zealand Rugby, but fans can expect a festival atmosphere and a chance to see the entire Aupiki talent pool in one place.
In Round Four, we head north to Hamilton to face Chiefs Manawa on Saturday 4 July at Fred Jones Park.
Another moment we’re excited about is taking Aupiki to Timaru. On Saturday 11 July, we host Hurricanes Poua at Fraser Park.
Bringing top‑level women’s rugby to the heart of South Canterbury is an important part of who we are. We’re proud to represent our whole region and playing in front of whānau who don’t always get to see us live is something we never take for granted.
We finish the regular season at Ngā Puna Wai on Saturday 18 July against the Blues.
The Super Rugby Aupiki final is set for Saturday 25 July, followed by the AUS/NZ crossover final the following week, when the Aupiki winner travels to face the Super W champions in Australia.
We can’t wait to have you join us for the 2026 season – it's going to be one for the books.
2026 Matatū Fixtures
HOME Sat 13 June. 4.05pm
R1: Matatū v Chiefs Manawa, Christchurch (One New Zealand Stadium)
AWAY Sun 21 June. 2.05pm
R2: Matatū v Hurricanes Poua, Upper Hutt (Maidstone Park)
AWAY Sat 27 June. 7.05pm
R3: Matatū v Blues, Pukekohe (Navigation Homes Stadium)
This is also the “All In” round, with all teams in one location.
AWAY Sat 4 July. 12.35pm
R4: Matatū v Chiefs Manawa, Hamilton (Fred Jones Park)
HOME Sat 11 July. 2.05pm
R5: Matatū v Hurricanes Poua, Timaru (Fraser Park)
HOME Sat 18 July. 2.35pm
R6: Matatū v Blues, Christchurch (Ngā Puna Wai)
Sat 25 July
SUPER RUGBY AUPIKI FINAL
(Rank 1 v Rank 2 – Venue TBC)
Sat 1 August
AUS/NZ CROSSOVER FINAL
Super Rugby Aupiki Winner v Super W Winner (Australian venue – TBC)