Super Rugby Pacific announces law changes for 2026

Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed a set of law innovations that will come into effect from the 2026 season, aimed at reducing stoppages, improving game flow, and simplifying officiating.

The competition has approved five key changes. Referees will no longer be required to issue an automatic yellow or red card when awarding a penalty try, with any sanction left to the referee’s discretion.

Accidental offside and delays in clearing the ball from a ruck will now result in free kicks rather than scrums.

Once “use it” is called at a ruck, no additional attacking players may join.

Teams will be allowed to pass the ball back into their own half before attempting a 50:22 kick.

Players will also be permitted greater flexibility when taking quick taps around the mark.

Super Rugby Pacific has reaffirmed its TMO guidelines introduced in 2023. The TMO may intervene without referral in cases of serious foul play or clear infringements leading to a try.

Chief executive Jack Mesley said the changes reflect the competition’s focus on faster, more entertaining rugby.

“These innovations for 2026 reflect the ongoing commitment of Super Rugby Pacific to deliver the most entertaining and engaging rugby competition in the world,” he said.

“From the members and fans, to the players and coaches, and the referees themselves, we continue to experience resounding support for the measured steps that we’re taking to refine the game.

“We want to be a competition that encourages quick taps and faster restarts, that cuts down on unnecessary stoppages, and that embraces positive, attacking rugby.

“Super Rugby Pacific will continue to work closely with World Rugby and our stakeholders to evolve the game and produce the best version of rugby, and to strongly advocate that the innovations that are clearly working in Super Rugby Pacific be adopted more widely.”

Super Point extra time, the six-team finals format, and the revised seeding rule for the highest-ranked losing qualifier will continue in 2026. The season begins on February 13 with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders.