Super Rugby Pacific 2027: More games and no 'lucky loser'

Super Rugby Pacific will have an expanded regular season next year, but they have ditched a controversial feature as part of a changed playoff system.

The competition will start on Friday 12 February, with the ten teams playing 16 games each, two more than this year, with just one bye to make a 17-week regular season.

With the introduction of the ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup Test in Brisbane, it has been confirmed the All Blacks and Wallaby squads will be named after round nine.

The playoffs will still feature the top six teams, however the “lucky loser” that irked many rugby fans during its short existence is gone.

The top and second placed sides after the regular season will go directly into the semi-finals in week two, with the first week of finals footy seeing two elimination games - where the third and fourth placed teams host the sixth and fifth ranked sides respectively.

The Grand Final will be played on Saturday 26 June.

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says the refreshed format has been designed to make the most of the 20-week window while delivering a more compelling finals series.

One thing that remains up in the air is whether Super Round will continue as part of the revamp.

Mesley says they are working diligently to confirm that Super Round remains as part of  next year's calendar.

Christchurch’s new Te Kaha Stadium hosted Super Round for the first time over ANZAC weekend this year; an event that was viewed by most as a major success.

Super Rugby Pacific intends to announce further details regarding next year's draw in the coming weeks.

2027 Super Rugby Pacific Finals Series

WEEK ONE - ELIMINATION FINALS

- 3rd hosting 6th

- 4th hosting 5th

WEEK TWO – SEMI-FINALS

- 1st hosting the lowest-seeded Elimination Final winner

- 2nd hosting the highest-seeded Elimination Final winner

WEEK THREE – GRAND FINAL

- Highest-seeded Semi-Final winner hosting the Lowest-seeded Semi-Final winner