The NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Women’s draw for 2026 has been announced with the six time champions looking to lift an incredible seventh crown this year.
Having returned to pre-season training this week, the reigning champions kick off their title defence in Round 1 against the Fijian Drua at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday 6 June (2:05pm kick-off). Before travelling up the Hume Highway to take on the Brumbies at Viking Park in Canberra the following Sunday (14 June, 2:05pm kick-off).
After a bye in Round 3, the Waratahs face the Western Force in Round 4 at Palmyra Rugby Club in Perth on Saturday 27 June (2:05pm kick-off) before ending the regular season against the Reds back at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday 5 July (4:05pm kick-off).
Waratahs head coach Michael Ruthven is looking forward to the prospect of Super Rugby Women’s getting under way and believes this year’s competition will be the most challenging one yet.
“We’re looking forward to the 2026 Super W season and we’re pleased with how the draw has landed,” Ruthven said.
“It’s an exciting start with the Fijiana Drua constantly improving, followed up by an away trip to the Brumbies.
“The Western Force away will be a challenge in Round 4, while the clash against the Reds back at Leichhardt is a great way to round out the regular season.
“The group is incredibly motivated to continue to evolve and we will be working hard to ensure we are well prepared. The level of competition amongst the franchises continues to grow and we will need to be at our best to ensure we give ourselves a chance to lift that trophy again.”
The semi-finals and Grand Final of the competition are pencilled in for the weekends of Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July and Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July respectively. Before the Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday 1 August, where the winners of Super Rugby Women’s in Australia face off against the Super Rugby Aupiki champions from New Zealand.
With the Pacific-Four series taking place in April this year, the competition dates have been shifted to June – August to create a more consistent, year-round pathway for our women and drive high performance outcomes across the women’s game in Australia.
Memberships and ticket options for our 2026 Waratahs Women’s season will be announced shortly.
NSW Waratahs Women 2026 Super Rugby Women’s draw:
- Round 1: Saturday 6 June (2:05pm kick-off), Waratahs v Fijian Drua, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
- Round 2: Sunday 14 June (2:05pm kick-off), ACT Brumbies v Waratahs, Viking Park, Canberra
- Round 3: BYE
- Round 4: Saturday 27 June (2:05pm kick-off), Western Force v Waratahs, Palmyra Rugby Club, Perth
- Round 5: Sunday 5 July (4:05pm kick-off), Waratahs v Queensland Reds, Leichhardt Oval
- Semi-finals: Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July
- Grand Final: Friday 24 – Sunday 26 July
- Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final: Saturday 1 August, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
