As the southern hemisphere’s premier club rugby tournament, Super Rugby Pacific is no stranger to evolution. The 2025 season ushers in yet another iteration of the competition, promising fresh matchups and renewed rivalries. But what exactly has changed this time around?
Slimmed Down to 11 Teams
The headline change is the unfortunate axing of the Melbourne Rebels, reducing Super Rugby Pacific to a leaner 11-team affair. The 5 New Zealand sides – Blues, Chiefs, Crusaders, Hurricanes and Highlanders – remain, as do the 4 Australian teams of the Brumbies, Waratahs, Reds and Force. Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua round out the competition.
Regular Season Structure
An extended 16-round regular season awaits in 2025, with each team playing 14 games. That breaks down as:
- 7 home and 7 away matches
- 2 bye weeks per team
- Playing 4 teams twice each, emphasizing local derbies
Revamped Finals Series
The top 6 will qualify for a redesigned three-week finals series:
- Qualifying finals featuring 1v6, 2v5, 3v4 matchups
- The three winners plus the top-ranked loser advance to the semifinals
- 1v4, 2v3 semifinal pairings avoid qualifying final rematches
- Highest-ranked winner hosts the final
This streamlined format replaces the former 8-team, quarterfinal-based playoffs.
Transfer Market Shuffle
With the Rebels’ departure, 2025 has seen significant player movement:
- Former NRL star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii finally debuts for the Waratahs
- Rebels stars like Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota find new homes
- All Black Beauden Barrett returns to the Blues from Japan
- Ardie Savea becomes Moana Pasifika’s marquee signing
- The Crusaders secure Wallaby playmaker James O’Connor
Consistent Laws, New Faces Off-Field
In a reprieve for fans and players alike, no new experimental law variations are on the agenda for 2025. However, the competition itself has fresh leadership in the form of CEO Jack Mesley, who along with a new board is tasked with rejuvenating Super Rugby Pacific.
Other notable appointments include Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph, Waratahs boss Dan McKellar, and Fijian Drua’s Glen Jackson.
A Brave New World
While Super Rugby Pacific has endured its share of turbulence recently, the 2025 season marks an intriguing fresh chapter. Eleven proud clubs, a test-like finals format, compelling player moves and some new off-field energy all point to a pivotal campaign ahead. Starting on Valentine’s Day, this revamped competition is eager to rekindle the rugby public’s affections.
