Barrett back in blue as stars headline Super Rugby squads
SPOTLIGHT: All 11 Super Rugby Pacific squads are locked in and among the 428 contracted players, 14 players have transferred clubs with 37 rookies set to join Super Rugby squads for the first time.
Beauden Barrett is back from Japan to bolster the defending champion Blues, who have also picked up a pair of All Blacks Sevens stars in Che Clark and Payton Spencer, son of All Blacks great Carlos Spencer.
2023 World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea will combine forces with his brother Julian at Moana Pasifika, alongside powerful Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili also making the move to Auckland.
The NSW Waratahs’ high-profile recruitment drive was headlined by the capture of 21-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, joined by fellow Wallabies Taniela Tupou, Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea and Darby Lancaster.
The Western Force secured Wallabies talent for the season ahead in the form of hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa from Montpellier, lock Darcy Swain from the Brumbies and wing Dylan Pietsch from the Waratahs, while the Brumbies bagged a pair of former Rebels in centre David Feliuai and lock Tuaina Taii Tualima.
Two former Queensland Reds are on their way back to Brisbane with Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and wing Filipo Daugunu returning to the club where they made their Super Rugby debuts.
The Highlanders have swooped on Blues duo and former New Zealand Under-20 representatives Soane Vikena and Caleb Tangitau, the latter having also played for the All Blacks Sevens.
The Fijian Drua squad for 2025 features a remarkable 33 players with Test experience for Fiji and boasts a trio of Sevens stars who claimed silver at the Paris Olympics - Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada.
All Blacks Sevens representative Leroy Carter has joined the Chiefs, while it’s a homecoming for Waikato-born flank Jahrome Brown as he makes the move to Hamilton from the Brumbies.
Also packing his bags and crossing the ditch is former Wallabies and Reds playmaker James O’Connor, who brings his 127 games of Super Rugby experience to the Crusaders.
Headlining the Hurricanes’ signings are All Blacks Sevens speedster Fehi Fineanganofo and Manu Samoa scrumhalf Ere Enari from Moana Pasifika.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said: “Off the back of a great weekend of international rugby for Southern Hemisphere teams, the 11 squads announced today are stacked with world-class talent that is set to light up Super Rugby Pacific in 2025.
“From stunning recruitment coups such as Ardie Savea to Moana Pasifika and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the Waratahs, to Sevens speedsters making the switch, I believe there are reasons for every fan to be excited about their team’s prospects next season.
“With the clubs now in pre-season training and Round 1 just three months away, the countdown to kick-off on February 14 is well and truly on.”
Hurricanes
Key Gains: Tom Allen, Kade Banks, Lucas Cashmore, Tjay Clark, Ereatara Enari, Fehi Fineanganofo, Zach Gallagher, Riley Hohepa, Arese Poliko, Will Tucker
Forwards: Tevita Mafileo, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki, Josh Taula, Tom Allen, Jacob Devery, Asafo Aumua, Zach Gallagher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Will Tucker, Caleb Delany, Arese Poliko, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders
Backs: Cam Roigard, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Harry Godfrey, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Kade Banks, Fehi Fineanganofo, Kini Naholo, Ruben Love, Lucas Cashmore, Jordi Viljoen, Tjay Clark, Brett Cameron
Brumbies
Key gains: Tevita Alatini, David Feliuai, Lachlan Hooper, Kadin Pritchard, Tuaina Tualima, Shane Wilcox
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Tevita Alatini, Liam Bowron, Charlie Cale, Nick Frost, Lachlan Hooper, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Lonergan, Cadeyrn Neville, Billy Pollard, Luke Reimer, Blake Schopp, Rory Scott, Lachlan Shaw, James Slipper, Tuna Tuilima, Rob Valetini, Rhys van Nek, Harry Vella
Backs: Austin Anderson, Hudson Creighton, Jack Debreczeni, David Feliuai, Harrison Goddard, Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Andy Muirhead, Ben O’Donnell, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Klayton Thorn, Corey Toole, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright
Crusaders
Key Gains: James O’Connor, Kyle Preston, Xavier Saifoloi, Aki Tuivailala
Forwards: Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Codie Taylor, Ioane Moananu, George Bell, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Tahlor Cahill, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Cory Kellow, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi
Backs: Mitch Drummond, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Macca Springer, Will Jordan, Johnny McNicoll, Kyle Preston, Aki Tuivailala
Waratahs
Key gains: Ale Aho, James Hendren, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Taniela Tupou
Forwards: Adrian Brown, Angelo Smith, Angus Bell, Ben Grant, Charlie Gamble, Clem Halaholo, Daniel Botha, David Porecki, Ethan Dobbins, Fergus Lee-Warner, Hugh Sinclair, Isaac Kailea, Jack Barrett, Julian Heaven, Leafi Talatiana, Langi Gleeson, Mahe Vailanu, Mesu Kunavula Miles Amatosero Rob Leota Siosifa Amone, Taniela Tupou, Thomas Lambert, Brad Amituanai, Ale Aho
Backs: Andrew Kellaway, Archie Saunders, Darby Lancaster, Henry O’Donnell, Jack Bowen, Jack Grant, Jake Gordon, Joey Walton Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Lalakai Foketi, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Tane Edmed, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly, Jackson Ropata, James Hendren
Chiefs
Key gains: Jahrome Brown, Leroy Carter, Brodie McAlister, Fita Sa
Forwards: Aidan Ross, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukie’aho, Brodie McAlister, Bradley Slater, Tupou Vaa’i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Lord, Jimmy Tupou, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Sione Ahio Jared Proffit, Fiti Sa
Backs: Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Daniel Rona, Kaleb Trask, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Malachi Wrampling, Josh Jacomb
Reds
Key gains: Josh Canham, Filipo Daugunu, Trevor King, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Forwards: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa’agase, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, George Blake, Angus Blyth, Fraser McReight, Connor Vest, Harry Wilson, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Alex Hodgman, Josh Canham, John Bryant, Trevor King, Max Craig, Matt Gibbon, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Backs: Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Mason Gordon, Jock Campbell, Frank Goldsbrough, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Louis Werchon, Tom Lynagh, Kalani Thomas, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch, Dre Pakeho, Jude Gibbs, Lachie Anderson
Moana Pasifika
Key gains: Solomon Alaimalo, Pone Fa’amausili, Losi Filipo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini, Ardie Savea, Tito Tuipulotu
Forwards: Abraham Pole, Alamanda Motuga, Allan Craig, Ardie Savea, Chris Apoua, Irie Papuni, James Lay, Lotu Inisi, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Tauelangi, Pone Fa’amausili, Samiuela Moli, Samuel Slade, Sama Malolo, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Sione Mafileo, Tomasi Maka, Tito Tuipulotu, Tom Savage
Backs: Aisea Halo, Danny Toala, Fine Inisi, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Julian Savea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Losi Filipo, Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Patrick Pellegrini, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama William Havili
Fijian Drua
Key gains: Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Ponipate Loganimasi
Forwards: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere (cc), Mesulame Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Joseva Tamani
Backs: Frank Lomani (cc), Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Isikeli Rabitu, Iosefo Masi, Inia Tabuavou, Waqa Nalaga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Ilaisa Droasese, Junior Ratuva, Vuate Karawalevu, Ponipate Loganimasi
Highlanders
Key Gains: Te Kamata Howden, Sosefo Kautai, Michael Manson, Lui Naeata, Caleb Tangitau, Soane Vikena, Josh Whaanga
Forwards: Ethan de Groot, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Rohan Wingham, Sosefo Kautai, Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena, Will Stodart, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Lui Naeata, Hayden Michaels, Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Josh Bartlett, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Tom Sanders,
Backs: Folau Fakatava, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Ajay Faleafaga, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas Umaga Jensen, Tanielu Tele’a, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Finn Hurley, James Arscott, Josh Whaanga, Michael Manson, Josh Timu
Western Force
Key gains: Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic Dolly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Mac Grealy, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dylan Pietsch, Darcy Swain, Matt Proctor
Forwards: Sam Carter, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Harry Hoopert, Tom Horton, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Kane Koteka, Atunaisa Moli, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce, Reed Prinsep, Tom Robertson, Papillon Sevele, Darcy Swain Tiaan Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Carlo Tizzano, Mitchell Watts, Jeremy Williams
Backs: Max Burey, Ben Donaldson, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Mac Grealy, Bayley Kuenzle, Ronan Leahy, Divad Palu, Reesjan Pasitoa, Dylan Pietsch, Doug Philipson, George Poolman, Harry Potter, Matt Proctor, Henry Robertson, Hamish Stewart, Patelesio Tomkinson, Nic White
Blues
Key Gains: Ben Ake, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, James Mullan, Reon Paul, Payton Spencer, Xavi Taele
Forwards: Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, James Mullan, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Ben Ake, Che Clark, Cameron Christie
Backs: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Xavi Taele, Corey Evans, Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Bryce Heem, Reon Paul, Meihana Grindlay, Payton Spencer