The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season concludes on Saturday, as the Hurricanes welcome the Chiefs to Wellington with the title on the line.
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After finishing first and second respectively during the regular season, the competition’s standout sides have earned the right to contest the Grand Final following impressive semi-final victories over the Blues and Crusaders.
The Hurricanes will enjoy home advantage after topping the standings and have been boosted by the timely return of Devan Flanders from concussion, while the Chiefs travel south looking to finally end a frustrating run of Grand Final defeats. The visitors have fallen short in each of their last three championship deciders and will be determined to make the most of another opportunity despite injuries forcing changes to their backline.
With sold-out Hnry Stadium providing the backdrop, the stage is set for a blockbuster New Zealand derby between two evenly matched rivals. Both teams have enjoyed outstanding campaigns built on physical forward play and attacking flair, leaving everything in place for a fitting conclusion to another memorable Super Rugby Pacific season.
TEAM NEWS: 2026 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL
Hurricanes v Chiefs
Venue: Hnry Stadium
Host City: Wellington
Kick-off: 7:05pm NZST (Saturday 20 June) / 8:05am BST (Saturday 20 June)
The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific title will be decided in Wellington as the top two sides meet with both aiming to end lengthy championship droughts.
The Hurricanes have received a major boost with the return of Devan Flanders after the back-rower recovered from concussion to start in the six jersey. The only other change to the starting XV sees Isaia Walker-Leawere come into the second row alongside Warner Dearns, while Jacob Devery and Brad Shields return to the matchday squad on the bench.
The hosts will also enjoy home advantage in front of a sold-out Hnry Stadium after tickets were snapped up within 15 minutes of going on sale.
The Chiefs have been forced into two changes following injuries. Former Wallaby Lalakai Foketi misses out with a calf injury, allowing Kyle Brown to start in midfield alongside Quinn Tupaea. At the back, Liam Coombes-Fabling switches from the wing to fullback in place of the injured Isaac Hutchinson, with All Black Leroy Carter promoted into the starting side. Reon Paul is added to the replacements, while Wallace Sititi remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from concussion.
Hurricanes
15. Callum Harkin, 14. Josh Moorby, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Jordie Barrett (co-c), 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 10. Ruben Love, 9. Cam Roigard; 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), 8. Peter Lakai.
Replacements: 16. Jacob Devery, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Brad Shields, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Kini Naholo.
Chiefs
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14. Leroy Carter, 13. Kyle Brown, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 10. Damian McKenzie, 9. Cortez Ratima; 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Simon Parker.
Replacements: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. George Dyer, 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Reon Paul.
Match officials: Referee: Nic Berry. Assistant referees: Reuben Keane and Louis Trisley. TMO: Brett Cronan.
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