Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is headlined by a top-of-the-table collision between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Hamilton, but the weekend’s action is overshadowed by the shock announcement that Moana Pasifika will disband at the end of the season — reducing the competition to 10 teams from 2027.

The Hurricanes arrive in the Waikato on a five-match winning streak that includes last week’s emphatic 42–19 dismantling of the Blues in Wellington, a performance that cemented their status as the team to beat. The Chiefs, meanwhile, flexed their muscles with a comprehensive victory over Moana Pasifika in Rotorua and welcome back All Black Wallace Sititi from a hamstring injury for what shapes as the most significant fixture of the season so far.

Elsewhere, the Blues look to rebound against the Highlanders in Auckland, the Brumbies welcome Wallabies fullback Tom Wright back from an ACL injury for their clash with the Fijian Drua in Canberra, and the Western Force host a Crusaders outfit decimated by injuries. The Waratahs entertain Moana Pasifika in what promises to be an emotionally charged evening in Sydney — with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle among those in attendance. The Reds have the bye.

Friday 17 April

Blues v Highlanders

Eden Park, Auckland — 7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST

The Blues have been stung by last week’s 42–19 hammering at the hands of the Hurricanes — their heaviest defeat of the season — and will be desperate to arrest a slide that has seen them drop to third on the table with a 5–3 record. They have been boosted, however, by the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu, who will play his first match of 2026 after off-season shoulder surgery kept him sidelined for six months. Fellow All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu also return to the starting side from back and knee injuries respectively, giving coach Vern Cotter a formidable pack. Cotter described Tuipulotu’s return as “massive”, saying the captain drives standards on and off the field. The Blues have lost All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi to concussion and winger Caleb Clarke to a calf injury, with Mason Tupaea and Codemeru Vai stepping into the starting XV. Loosehead prop Ben Ake is in line for his debut off the bench.

The Highlanders, sitting seventh with three wins from eight, are battling to stay in touch with the top six. Their narrow 14–10 victory over the Brumbies in Dunedin last week was a welcome result, but lineout problems continue to plague Jamie Joseph’s side — hooker Jack Taylor has been retained despite ongoing throwing struggles. Former All Blacks halfback Folau Fakatava returns to the matchday 23 via the bench after being dropped following what Joseph admitted was a need for a break from the game. Adam Lennox starts at halfback. The Blues have won four of the last five meetings between the sides and should have too much firepower at home, but the Highlanders have shown they can make life uncomfortable for any opponent when their defence is on song.

Teams:

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Cole Forbes, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Codemeru Vai, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Mason Tupaea.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklind, 17 Ben Ake, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Malachi Wrampling, 22 Taufa Funaki, 23 Pita Akhi.

Highlanders: 15 Taine Robinson, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Taniela Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Adam Lennox, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Te Kamaka Howden, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-c).
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Lucas Casey, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Xavier Tito-Harris, 23 Finn Hurley.

Referee: Jordan Way. Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey. TMO: James Leckie.

Unavailable — Blues: Ofa Tu’ungafasi (concussion), Caleb Clarke (calf).

Unavailable — Highlanders: Nic Shearer (dropped — wider training squad), Jonah Lowe (not selected).

NSW Waratahs v Moana Pasifika

Allianz Stadium, Sydney — 7.35pm AEST

This fixture has taken on a significance that extends far beyond the standings. Moana Pasifika announced earlier this week that they will disband at the end of the 2026 season after financial challenges rendered the franchise unviable, reducing Super Rugby Pacific to just 10 teams from 2027. It is a devastating blow for Pacific rugby representation — the Auckland-based franchise joined the competition in 2022 with a mandate to develop elite Samoan and Tongan talent, and enjoyed their best season in 2025 under the stewardship of All Blacks star Ardie Savea. With Savea on sabbatical in Japan, however, the team have managed just one win from eight rounds this season under outgoing coach Tana Umaga, who will join the All Blacks coaching setup at season’s end.

Captain Miracle Faiilagi has called for his side to play “together as a team”, identifying individualism as a factor in their recent seven-match losing streak. Expect an emotional performance from Moana, who actually have a win in Sydney in recent history. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be at Allianz Stadium, adding a touch of occasion to what promises to be a poignant evening.

The Waratahs, eighth on the table with three wins from seven, are desperate for a victory to keep their finals hopes alive. Back-rower Angus Scott-Young earns his first start of the season, while coach Dan McKellar warned that Moana Pasifika’s off-field turmoil could make them an even more dangerous proposition. He described them as “big, powerful men” with the ability to be “really dangerous off turnover ball”. This is a must-win for NSW, and while the emotion factor could carry Moana early, the Waratahs’ set-piece quality should prove decisive.

Teams:

Waratahs: 15 Sid Harvey, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joey Walton, 12 Lawson Creighton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Clem Halaholo, 21 Jamie Adamson, 22 Teddy Wilson, 23 Triston Reilly.

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tuna Tuitama, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Tevita Latu, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Melani Matavao, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Veikoso Poloniati, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Abraham Pole.
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18 Paula Latu, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Faletoi Peni, 23 Tyler Pulini.

Referee: Angus Mabey. Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Ben Woolerton. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Saturday 18 April

Chiefs v Hurricanes

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton — 7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST

The match of the round — and arguably the match of the season so far. The top two sides in the competition collide in Hamilton with the Hurricanes sitting pretty on 30 points from seven matches (recording six wins with one loss and four try-scoring bonus points) and the Chiefs on 27 from eight. A Hurricanes victory would open up a significant buffer at the top; a Chiefs win would blow the title race wide open.

Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson will become the 14th centurion in the franchise’s history on Saturday night. The flanker, who debuted in 2018 and was named captain in 2024, will lead from the front in what coach Jono Gibbes described as “a testament to his longevity, his work ethic, and his professionalism”. All Black Wallace Sititi returns via the bench after missing since round three with a hamstring injury, adding another dimension to a powerful forward pack. Quinn Tupaea, the competition’s player of the year leader, has been shifted to outside centre with the newly capped Reon Paul starting at 12, as the Chiefs navigate injuries to midfielders Lalakai Foketi (hand) and Daniel Rona (hamstring). Tupou Vaa’i (concussion), Etene Nanai-Seturo (foot) and Emoni Narawa (foot) are also absent.

The Hurricanes have made just one change from the side that demolished the Blues 42–19 in Wellington, promoting lock Isaia Walker-Leawere to the starting XV in place of Caleb Delany. Walker-Leawere’s physicality adds mongrel to a pack that will need it against the Chiefs’ formidable forward unit. Coach Clark Laidlaw acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting the Chiefs boast “probably the strongest forward pack we’ve faced” but expressed confidence in the way his side are playing. Cam Roigard, Ruben Love and Jordie Barrett form arguably the most potent spine in Super Rugby, while Peter Lakai continues to terrorise opposition teams from number eight. Both sides have opted for six-two bench splits, underlining the expected arm-wrestle up front. The Chiefs have won two of the last five meetings, but the Hurricanes have taken three — including a 42–19 victory in round three this season.

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Reon Paul, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson (c), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Fiti Sa, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Wallace Sititi, 22 Xavier Roe, 23 Josh Jacomb.

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (co-c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Caleb Delany, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Brayden Iose, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Jone Rova.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe. Assistant Referees: Todd Petire, Warwick Lahmert. TMO: Richard Kelly.

Unavailable — Chiefs: Tupou Vaa’i (concussion), Lalakai Foketi (hand), Daniel Rona (hamstring), Etene Nanai-Seturo (foot), Emoni Narawa (foot).

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Caleb Delany (benched — Walker-Leawere promoted to start).

ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 7.35pm AEST

The Brumbies welcome back Wallabies fullback Tom Wright for his first appearance since tearing his ACL against the Springboks in August last year — almost eight months on the sideline. Wright replaces Andy Muirhead at fullback and spoke candidly about the mental challenge of the long rehabilitation, noting that coming home for surgery straight away was “probably the best thing” to avoid dwelling on the setback. His return adds another dimension to a Brumbies side sitting fourth on 24 points from eight matches, though they will be without the in-form Charlie Cale, who is undergoing assessment on a shoulder injury. Tuaina Taii Tualima starts at number eight in Cale’s absence, while flanker Luke Reimer earns a starting berth after strong performances off the bench.

The Fijian Drua arrive in Canberra with off-field turbulence of their own — head coach Glen Jackson confirmed this week that he will depart at season’s end after a mutual decision not to exercise the third-year option in his contract, while assistant Tim Sampson has signed a two-year deal with Edinburgh Rugby. Jackson labelled the Moana Pasifika news “devastating”, saying the Pacific presence in the competition is vital to its identity. On the field, the Drua welcome back co-captain Temo Mayanavanua from a knee injury that has sidelined him since round one, a significant boost in the second row. Former Wallaby Issak Fines-Leleiwasa continues at halfback, with former French international Virimi Vakatava earning his third consecutive start at inside centre. The Drua remain winless on the road since 2023 but pipped the Force 24–22 in Lautoka last weekend. Jackson insists the playoffs remain achievable, saying his side need to win five of their remaining seven matches. The Brumbies have won four of the last five meetings and should be too strong at home, but previous encounters have shown the Drua can trouble Canberra’s scrum.

A family subplot adds intrigue — Brumbies flanker Rob Valetini lines up against his elder brother Kemu, who is on the Drua bench.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 7 Luke Reimer, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lachlan Shaw, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Darcy Breen, 19 Toby MacPherson, 20 Rory Scott, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andy Muirhead.

Fijian Drua: 15 Isikeli Rabitu, 14 Isikeli Basiyalo, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Virimi Vakatava, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Isoa Tuwai, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Temo Mayanavanua (c), 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Emosi Tuqiri.
Replacements: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Penaia Cakobau, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Joseva Tamani, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Inia Tabuavou.

Referee: James Doleman. Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon. TMO: Glenn Newman.

Unavailable — Brumbies: Charlie Cale (shoulder — assessment).

Unavailable — Drua: Elia Canakaivata (not selected), Motikiai Murray (not selected).

Western Force v Crusaders

HBF Park, Perth — 7.55pm AWST / 9.55pm AEST

Former NRL tryscoring machine Zac Lomax makes his first Super Rugby Pacific start after impressing off the bench in the Force’s narrow 22–24 defeat to the Fijian Drua last weekend. Lomax will line up on the right wing with George Bridge shifting to outside centre, and Force coach Simon Cron wants to get his cross-code recruit involved early after limited opportunities in his debut. Star flanker Carlo Tizzano returns from injury to add bite at the breakdown, while lock Darcy Swain is primed to disrupt the Crusaders lineout. The Force, sitting 10th with just two wins from eight, are running out of time to save their season.

The defending champions arrive in Perth reeling from a torrid week. Captain David Havili has been ruled out with concussion after lasting just one game back from a heel injury, joining an injury list that reads like a who’s who of Canterbury rugby — Will Jordan (calf, 3–5 weeks), Codie Taylor (hamstring, timeline uncertain), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Kyle Preston (knee), Braydon Ennor (hamstring) and Fletcher Newell (not selected). There is some positive news: wing Macca Springer returns from a long-term quad injury, replacing Sevu Reece on the left wing. Springer equalled a Super Rugby record with five tries in a match against the Force in Christchurch last year. Dallas McLeod assumes the captaincy, and the Crusaders will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Reds in Brisbane last weekend that left them sixth with 20 points. This fixture has been dominated by the home side historically — a trend the Force will be keen to continue.

Teams:

Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Zac Lomax, 13 George Bridge, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Jeremy Williams (c), 3 Misinale Epenisa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Kurtley Beale.

Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Louis Chapman, 8 Christian Lio-Willie (c), 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Tahlor Cahill, 3 Seb Calder, 2 George Bell, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Leitu, 17 George Bower, 18 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Sevu Reece.

Referee: Reuben Keane. Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, Louis Trisley. TMO: Brett Cronan.

Unavailable — Force: (No major absences reported beyond previous injuries).

Unavailable — Crusaders: David Havili (concussion), Will Jordan (calf — 3–5 weeks), Codie Taylor (hamstring — timeline TBC), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Kyle Preston (knee), Braydon Ennor (hamstring), Fletcher Newell (not selected).

BYE: Queensland Reds

Super Rugby Pacific 2026 standings after round 9

Milestones

• Luke Jacobson (Chiefs) — 100th Super Rugby cap, becoming the 14th Chiefs centurion
• Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) — first appearance of the 2026 season after shoulder surgery
• Tom Wright (Brumbies) — return from ACL injury sustained in August 2025
• Temo Mayanavanua (Fijian Drua) — first appearance since round one knee injury
• Zac Lomax (Force) — first Super Rugby Pacific start
• Ben Ake (Blues) — in line for Super Rugby debut off the bench

Where to watch

Australia: Stan Sport (all matches, ad-free, live and on demand); Nine Network (Saturday 7.35pm AEST match, live)
New Zealand: Sky Sport
Fiji: Sky Pacific (pay TV); Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (free-to-air)
United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky UK
United States & Canada: ESPN; FloSports (USA territories); TSN (Canada)
Pacific Islands: Digicel
Japan: Wowow
South Africa & Africa: SuperSport
France: Canal+
Italy: Sky Italia
Spain: Telefonica
South East Asia: Premier Sports
Rest of World: NZR+ (streaming)