New Zealand Rugby has confirmed details of a structured Super Rugby development competition. Now there is a proper development programme that will run concurrently with the first couple of months of the big dance. All five New Zealand Super Rugby clubs will get five games for their development sides, offering an important opportunity for fringe players, provincial youngsters and those returning from injury to get some action. The Highlanders play their first game in the development competition against the Crusaders in Timaru tomorrow, and the rivals return to Timaru on March 6. While the annual Super Rugby under-20 tournament has, regrettably, been canned in favour of a provincial age-group event to be confirmed, NZR is soon to confirm details of an under-20 development programme.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 12, 2026 22:33 UTC