South Canterbury set to host 2026 pre-season fixture

The countdown to the 2026 Super Rugby season is on, and we’re kicking things off with an epic pre-season clash that take the Crusaders to the regions.  

This is where the action starts. It's where combinations form, rivalries ignite, and our title defence begins.  

And 2026 isn't just any season – it’s a celebration of 30 Years of Super Rugby, and the beginning of a new chapter in our new home at One New Zealand Stadium. 

We’re heading south to Fraser Park in Timaru on Friday 30 January, where we’ll take on our South Island rivals, the Highlanders in a classic southern showdown.  

“It’s always special when we get the chance to take a game to one of the smaller towns in our region,” said Head Coach Rob Penney.  

“South Canterbury has got a proud rugby community, and this is a great opportunity for our fans there to get up close to the team. It’ll be a good hit-out for our men and will be a chance to test combinations and build momentum heading into the season.” 

Set to take place in the heart of summer, this highly anticipated match will not only showcase top-tier rugby talent but also serve as a key initiative to support the Fraser Park Development. 

“As a region, we are excited to be in the position to host this event, thanks to the continued support from Temuka Transport,” says South Canterbury Rugby Football Union CEO, Tim Hyde-Smith.  

“Fraser Park was renovated in 2023 and offers a wonderful experience to both the high-performance teams and the fans. It’s establishing itself not only as a multi-purpose sporting facility but also as a venue that can host business or private events.” 

“We are looking forward to celebrating the facility and welcoming the community in the gates,” he says.  

General Manager of Temuka Transport Nigel Walsh says they’re looking forward to working closely with the Crusaders on this game. 

“We know how important it is to have these role models in our community for the growth and development of the game in our region,” says Walsh.  

Kick-off is at 3.30pm, and for fans who can’t make it in person – we’ve got you covered. The game will be livestreamed, across YouTube and Facebook with support from Venture Timaru and Timaru District Council. 

CEO of Venture Timaru, Nigel Davenport, is excited to host the Crusaders and knows local fans and the business community will get behind the event. 

“There will be plenty of red and black jerseys in the crowd, and we know we’ll also have some staunch Highlanders fans across the province. This will be a real celebration of our southern rivalry. 

“We’re predicting around 400,000 to view the livestream, so this will give Venture Timaru the perfect opportunity to promote our beautiful region, and the busy events calendar we have coming up in February and March following the game,” says Davenport 

Tickets will be on sale before Christmas.  

This is a chance to connect with our Crusaders whānau, to bring rugby to the regions, and to fire up for a season that promises to be unforgettable. 

So, mark your calendars and we'll see you in Timaru in 2026.