2026 marks a major milestone in southern hemisphere rugby — three decades of Super Rugby. To celebrate, the five New Zealand Super Rugby clubs have unveiled a special commemorative jersey and apparel range in partnership with Classic Sportswear, paying homage to the competition’s rich history while looking firmly ahead.
The Blues, Gallagher Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders collaborated closely with Classic to bring their 2026 collections to life for DHL Super Rugby Pacific. The commemorative range blends iconic design elements inspired by the last 30 years of the competition with high-performance sportswear engineered for both players and fans.
A Tribute to Three Decades of Rugby
Each club has reimagined significant moments and shared club legacies to create home jerseys that honour the players, fans and communities who have shaped the game since 1996. The Blues’ home jersey, for instance, channels the iconic 1996 championship-winning Auckland Blues strip — a nod to the side that won the very first Super 12 title. The Chiefs pay tribute to their evolution over three decades, while the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders each weave in distinctive retro cues from their own histories.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said the anniversary was a chance to reflect on rugby’s longevity in New Zealand. “A thirty year anniversary is a major moment for our clubs, our players, and our fans. These jerseys recognise where we’ve come from while looking ahead as we collectively drive the game forward.”
Expanded Supporter Range
Beyond the match jerseys, the 2026 collection includes an expanded range for supporters, featuring caps, long sleeve jerseys, basketball singlets, and NFL-style jerseys — offering fans more ways to represent their club on game day and beyond.
Classic Sportswear CEO Ross Smart noted the growing popularity of heritage and retro designs. “1996 was a formative year for rugby, and like so many fans, I have great memories of watching the teams and jerseys of that time. Fans are increasingly drawn to heritage and retro designs, and Classic is answering that demand with these collections.”
Where to Buy
The full 2026 Super Rugby range — including home and away jerseys, training gear, and supporter merchandise — is available through club retail channels and the official NZ Super Rugby club online store at shop.nzsuperrugbyclubs.co.nz. Retailers like Players Sports, NZ Rugby Shop, and Otago Sports Depot also stock the range with fast New Zealand-wide delivery.
With the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season well underway, now is the perfect time for fans to grab a piece of history and wear their club’s colours with pride.