Big changes are coming to Super Rugby Pacific in 2026. The competition is introducing five new rule variations to make the game faster and more exciting, with fewer stops and less time spent checking video replays.
The first change means referees don’t have to give a yellow or red card when awarding a penalty try. It’s now up to them to decide. Another change turns accidental offside and delays at rucks into quick free kicks, instead of scrums, helping the game keep moving.
Once the referee says “use it” during a ruck, no extra players from the attacking team can join in. This helps speed things up and reduce confusion.
Teams can also now pass the ball back into their own half before kicking for a 50:22 – a smart move that keeps the ball in play more. And players taking quick taps can do so within one metre of the mark or behind it, adding more chances for fast attacking play.
To reduce delays, the role of the television match official (TMO) will be smaller. They can only step in if there’s a serious foul or a clear mistake that leads to a try. Otherwise, it’s up to the referee to ask for help.
The aim is to keep rugby exciting for fans and players alike. Organisers say over four minutes of “dead time” have already been cut from matches over recent years thanks to other time-saving changes.
Games that are tied at full-time will still go into 10 minutes of extra time, with the first team to score winning. If no one scores, the game ends in a draw.
There’s also a change to the finals system. In 2026, the top-ranked losing team in the qualifying round will go through as fourth seed. This means they’ll have to play their semifinal and possible final away from home.
The new Super Rugby season begins on Friday, February 13, with the Highlanders playing against the Crusaders.
