The Highlanders enter the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season looking to reset after a difficult 2025 campaign that left little margin for error. 

A 3-11 record saw the Dunedin-based side finish 11th in the standings, underscoring the challenges of maintaining consistency across a full Super Rugby schedule.

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That result reflected a season spent chasing stability, rather than momentum. 

While the Highlanders showed flashes of competitiveness, they struggled to convert performances into results often enough to move out of the bottom portion of the table. The year ultimately became one of evaluation as much as outcome.

As preparations turn toward 2026, the Highlanders do so with continuity in leadership and renewed focus on development. Head coach Jamie Joseph remains in charge, with co-captains Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton leading a side based at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 

Entering the new season, the Highlanders aim to translate growth and investment into tangible progress within Super Rugby Pacific.

Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific Schedule 2026

• Feb. 13: 1:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Crusaders
• Feb. 21: 1:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Chiefs
• Feb. 27: 3:35 a.m.: Queensland Reds vs. Highlanders
• March 6: 10:35 p.m.: Highlanders vs. Western Force
• March 14: 2:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Highlanders
• March 20: 2:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Hurricanes
• March 27: 2:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders
• April 10: 3:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. ACT Brumbies
• April 17: 3:05 a.m.: Blues vs. Highlanders
• April 25: 10 p.m.: Highlanders vs. Moana Pasifika
• May 1: 12:35 a.m.: Fijian Drua vs. Highlanders
• May 8: 12:35 a.m.: Highlanders vs. NSW Waratahs
• May 15: 3:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Highlanders
• May 23: 3:05 a.m.: Hurricanes vs. Highlanders

What Did Highlanders Do In 2025?

The Highlanders finished 11th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific standings with a 3-11 record and 20 points, ending the season outside the playoff positions.

2025 Super Rugby Pacific Standings

1. Chiefs, 11–3 (51 points)
2. Crusaders, 11–3 (49 points)
3. ACT Brumbies, 9–5 (44 points)
4. Hurricanes, 8–1–5 (39 points)
5. Queensland Reds, 8–6 (38 points)
6. Blues, 6–8 (33 points)
7. Moana Pasifika, 6–8 (28 points)
8. NSW Waratahs, 6–8 (26 points)
9. Western Force, 4–1–9 (23 points)
10. Fijian Drua, 4–10 (20 points)
11. Highlanders, 3–11 (20 points)

The Highlanders Coach Is Jamie Joseph

Jamie Joseph is the head coach of the Highlanders, leading the Dunedin-based side into the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. He coached Japan to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 and won the Super Rugby title in 2015, the first time he was the coach before leaving for Japan. 

As the coach of the All Blacks XV team, Joseph is in the running to replace now-fired All Blacks coach Scott Robertson as the new national coach. 

When Does The Super Rugby Pacific Season Start?

The 30th season of Super Rugby begins with Round 1 on Feb. 13, with the first game being in Dunedin between the Highlanders and Crusaders at 1:05 a.m. ET. 

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