For Hurricanes supporters, the wait is over. Ten years after lifting their first Super Rugby title in 2016, the Hurricanes are once again champions, producing one of the most dominant campaigns the competition has ever witnessed. Their remarkable 2026 season culminated in a breath-taking 60-5 victory over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final at a sold-out Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
From the opening round, the Hurricanes set the standard for the rest of the competition. Under the leadership of joint captains Du'Plessis Kirifi and Jordie Barrett, they combined relentless defence with exhilarating attack, playing an exciting brand of rugby that thrilled supporters throughout New Zealand. Week after week they found new ways to win, whether through clinical finishing, powerful forward play or dazzling counter-attacking rugby.
By the end of the regular season, the Hurricanes had deservedly finished at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table, securing home advantage throughout the playoffs. Their impressive points differential of +264 reflected not only their attacking ability but also the discipline and commitment they showed on defence. Every player contributed to what became a genuine team effort, with the squad displaying outstanding depth throughout the campaign. The Grand Final was expected to be a closely contested battle between the competition's two standout teams. Instead, the Hurricanes produced a performance for the ages.
In front of a capacity crowd at Hnry Stadium, Wellington supporters created an unforgettable atmosphere despite gale-force winds sweeping across the city. The challenging conditions made handling and kicking difficult, yet they barely slowed the Hurricanes. They adapted brilliantly, dominating territory, winning the collision battle and turning defence into attack with breath-taking speed.
By full-time, the scoreboard told an extraordinary story.
Hurricanes 60 - Chiefs 5.
It wasn't simply a victory - it was one of the most emphatic championship performances in Super Rugby history. The Hurricanes overwhelmed one of the competition's strongest sides from the opening whistle, leaving no doubt who deserved to be crowned champions. Rugby commentators and fans alike were left searching for comparisons, with many describing the performance as the benchmark for professional Super Rugby. The quality of the Hurricanes squad was recognised almost immediately after the season concluded. Eleven Hurricanes players were selected in the All Blacks squad for the first three Tests of 2026 against France, Italy and Ireland, underlining the strength and depth that powered the team's championship success.
Those selected were:
Having almost a third of the All Blacks squad coming from one Super Rugby franchise is a remarkable achievement and highlights just how influential the Hurricanes were during the 2026 season. While individual brilliance shone throughout the year, this championship was built on collective effort. Every member of the squad embraced their role, whether starting or coming off the bench. The forward pack consistently laid the platform, while the backs played with confidence and creativity, producing some of the most entertaining rugby seen in recent seasons.
It's little wonder that many rugby pundits are now describing the 2026 Hurricanes as the greatest Super Rugby team ever assembled. Their consistency, attacking flair, defensive resilience and extraordinary Grand Final performance have established a new benchmark for excellence in the professional era.
Celebrate the Champions with RYOS
The Hurricanes' 2026 championship deserves to be remembered, and RYOS is proud to help supporters celebrate this historic achievement.
The Hurricanes Championship Range is available for pre-sale now, featuring a collection created to commemorate one of the greatest seasons in Super Rugby history. The highlight is the 2026 Hurricanes Championship Jersey, a design that many supporters already regard as the best Hurricanes jersey ever produced. This special edition has been embellished with the Hnry Stadium Grand Final venue details and the unforgettable 60-5 championship-winning score, creating a lasting tribute to an extraordinary day in Wellington rugby history.
Whether you were at the sold-out final or cheering from home, this is your opportunity to own a genuine piece of Hurricanes history. Pre-order your Hurricanes Championship gear today through RYOS and celebrate the team that brought the title back to Wellington for the first time since 2016.
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