SUPER RUGBY AUPIKI SHIFTS FOR 2026 SEASON

The 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season is set for a change, with New Zealand Rugby confirming a new mid-year window from June to August, which is expected to provide a boost for women’s rugby across the country.

For the nib Blues, the change results in a more connected competition and a clearer pathway between provincial and international programmes.

Previously played through March and April, Super Rugby Aupiki will now take place between June and August, with six regular season games and a Grand Final.

The winner of Super Rugby Aupiki will then take on the winner of Australia’s Super Rugby W in the Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final.

The new structure aligns with an expanded Black Ferns calendar and reflects the growing professionalism of the women’s game.

The Farah Palmer Cup will now follow Aupiki, running from late August through October.