The Highlanders have thrown Dunedin's hat in the ring to host the next Super Rugby Pacific Super Round, arguing the city’s indoor stadium, passionate supporters, and vibrant student life make it the perfect venue for the multi-game spectacle.
With Christchurch still basking in the glow of a successful weekend at its new Te Kaha stadium, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and captain Ethan de Groot have made a public plea to Sanzaar, the competition's governing body, to look south for the next edition. They believe Dunedin offers a unique and compelling hosting proposition, building on its rich rugby heritage and modern infrastructure.
Forsyth Barr Stadium, the country's first fully-roofed rugby ground, is central to their pitch. The Highlanders have long touted the benefits of a guaranteed perfect playing environment, an advantage they have leveraged since the stadium opened in 2011. The consistent conditions, free from wind and rain, foster a faster, more open style of rugby that is thrilling for spectators.
'An awesome place to host'
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, a former student in the city, championed Dunedin's case, highlighting its significant student population as a key asset. The presence of around 20,000 students from the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic underpins a famously boisterous atmosphere at home games, something Joseph believes would translate perfectly to a Super Round.
Don't forget there's 20,000 students that choose to live in Dunedin for four or five years. You may be one of them, I was. Dunedin's an awesome place to host something like Super Round. We've got an indoor stadium that will lend itself quite well.
Joseph noted that while the new Christchurch venue is impressive, the Highlanders have extensive experience with enclosed stadiums. "We are used to playing under a roof, you know, but I think it gives an advantage for all the teams, really. The consistency of the conditions play no part, no wind, no sun in your eyes, it just sort of lends itself to a really good time," he said.
The city's Scottish heritage, reflected in the Highlanders' own name and identity, adds another layer to its appeal. Founded by Scottish settlers in the 19th century, Dunedin (from the Gaelic Dùn Èideann) maintains strong cultural links to Scotland, creating a unique backdrop for a major sporting event. Hosting the Super Round would be a significant economic boon for the city, attracting thousands of visitors and showcasing the region's hospitality and attractions, including the many popular day trips from Dunedin.
A southern rugby stronghold
Players have echoed the coach's call, expressing a strong desire to bring more top-flight rugby to the deep south. Highlanders captain and All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot said the region is often overlooked for major fixtures and that the local community would enthusiastically embrace the event.
Winger Timoci Tavatavanawai agreed, suggesting the atmosphere in Dunedin would be comparable to what was seen in Christchurch. "Same kind of ground, same kind of vibe. It's a small city, but there's a lot of people that always support. So yeah, I'll take it down there if they want it," Tavatavanawai said. The Super Round concept, which sees all teams converge on one city for a full round of matches, was successfully held in Melbourne for several years before moving to New Zealand. The recent event at Christchurch's new $683 million Te Kaha stadium was widely praised, demonstrating the strong appetite for marquee rugby events in the South Island. As the A-League boss flags a third New Zealand team, the potential for a similar event in Dunedin will be appealing to both local fans and Super Rugby Pacific organisers looking to capitalise on regional passion.
Focus shifts to Moana Pasifika
While the bid for a future event builds, the Highlanders' immediate focus is on their upcoming clash with a struggling Moana Pasifika side at Te Kaha. Despite their opponent's difficulties this season and uncertain future, Joseph said his team is not taking them lightly.
"They are playing to prove a point or trying to save their team or trying to find a job for next year," Joseph stated. "So we know we're coming up against a very hungry Moana and just like us, we're hungry to get a win after some of the close losses we've had."
The Highlanders are coming off a narrow defeat to the Blues, a match that also saw them lose star winger Caleb Tangitau to a head knock. Joseph confirmed Tangitau is recovering well but will miss the upcoming game. "Caleb is okay, he had a good run yesterday, a bit unfortunate because he has been a player that's been consistently playing well for us this season."
However, the side will be significantly boosted by the early return of Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens from injury. "He's beaten the doctor's clock, so that's always good," Joseph said. "We find ourselves in a position where we've got to take each performance as it comes, and getting Jacob back is going to be crucial for our performance." De Groot added that the forward pack is prepared for a physical encounter against a large Moana Pasifika pack, stressing the need for precise technique. "They've got some big cattle in their squad and we have to get the technique right to go against those guys," he said.
