Rap star Scribe to play Super Bowl-style half-time show during opening match at One NZ stadium

Thursday, 26 March 2026

Hometown hip-hop legend Scribe will entertain rugby fans at the first ever fixture in Christchurch’s new stadium.

The Not Many rapper, known for his famous The Crusader album, will play a half-time show at the One NZ Stadium on April 24, during Super Rugby Pacific’s first-ever New Zealand Super Round over Anzac Weekend.

The artist, who was born and raised in Christchurch, will perform during the Friday night’s sold-out clash between the Crusaders and the NSW Waratahs.

The milestone opening weekend for the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will see the entire Super Rugby Pacific competition descend on Christchurch for a three-day sporting extravaganza, predicted to bring in $6 million in visitor spending, with 13,500 people forecast to travel to the city.

“Bringing Super Round to New Zealand is an opportunity to showcase the very best of Super Rugby Pacific in one city,” Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley said.

The event aimed to provide an experience 'beyond the 80 minutes on-field,“ he said.

The schedule blends sport with cultural and military tributes. Saturday’s proceedings begin with a traditional Anzac ceremony featuring Rebecca Nelson of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Later, the New Zealand Army Band will return to a local stadium stage for the first time in more than 50 years, performing during the Blues v Reds match.

Sunday shifts to a Pacific-themed atmosphere, featuring the Cook Islands Christchurch Drummers and Mellow Studios. All Blacks legend Dan Carter will also lead an on-field kicking challenge for UNICEF Aotearoa.

ChristchurchNZ head of major events Karena Finnie said the city is ready to “come alive” for the festival. Friday’s match is sold out, and fewer than 5% of tickets remain for Saturday and Sunday.