BLUES
LAST YEAR IN SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SEMI-FINALIST
It was a mixed bag overall for the Blues in 2025. After winning the 2024 title, it was a return to the inconsistency that held the Blues back in recent years. The Blues finished sixth to sneak into the play-offs on bonus points, then played arguably the best 80 minutes of their season to beat the Chiefs in Hamilton. The run came to an end with a narrow loss to the Crusaders in a tense semi-final.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
The Blues start with a mouth-watering clash at Eden Park against fierce rivals the Chiefs, before away matches against the Highlanders and Hurricanes. The Brumbies then visit Auckland before the Blues are drawn against the Chiefs again — this time in Hamilton. The champion Crusaders are next at Eden Park before the Blues have a bye.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
The Blues have selected a strong squad with the majority of players from within the catchment areas. They look to have the depth of talent to ride though any misfortune that may occur. Among the new faces is a returning star in midfielder Pita Ahki, who rejoins the club after several successful years with Toulouse in France. He adds experience and physicality to a backline full of creativity and speed. Ahki is an admirable replacement for Rieko Ioane, on sabbatical with Leinster in Ireland. Veteran All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi is the Blues’ second most capped player. He missed the 2025 season with a neck injury so his return is pleasing to coach Vern Cotter. Hooker Bradley Slater has moved north from the Chiefs to try to get more game time. His battle for the starting No 2 jersey with Kurt Eckland will be fascinating to watch. Slater’s experience adds further depth to a powerful front row group.
Outstanding 21-year-old loose forward Malachi Wrampling is another to join from the Chiefs, while Northland’s Terrell Peita add athleticism to the loose forwards’ mix. The new signings further strengthen a strong pack, alongside proven All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, plus the highly-promising 2025 Blues Player of the Year Joshua Fusitu’a and Anton Segner. Sotutu has signed with English Premiership club Newcastle Red Bulls and will depart the club after the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Newcomers in the backline include North Harbour fullback Kade Banks (who returns after a year away), while Rico Simpson, James Cameron and Codemeru Vai are contracted for the first time. The young guns have plenty of outstanding players to learn from. All Blacks’ first-five Beauden Barrett will anchor the backline outside excellent halfback Finlay Christie. Experienced campaigners Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam and Zarn Sullivan are proven performers at Super Rugby Pacific level.
Cotter is feeling confident with the players at his disposal ahead of the new competition season.
“We’ve retained the core of our forwards unit while adding some exciting young players who will bring real energy and hunger to the group. There’s pace and creativity in our backs, but also a lot of composure and experience. The mix of talent gives us flexibility in how we want to play.
“The goal is to be consistent, connected, and to keep growing our game and our identity as a team that represents the people of this region. Competition for places will be strong and that’s exactly what you want heading into a new campaign.”
WHO’S NEW: Forwards: Terrell Peita (Northland), Bradley Slater (Chiefs), Flyn Yates (Manawatu), Malachi Wrampling (Chiefs). Backs: Pita Ahki (Toulouse), Kade Banks (North Harbour), Codemeru Vai (Auckland).
BLUES SQUAD
FORWARDS: Ben Ake, Flyn Yates, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Bradley Slater, James Mullan, Kurt Eklund, Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Tristyn Cook, Anton Segner, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Malachi Wrampling, Terrell Peita.
BACKS: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Rico Simpson, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Corey Evans, James Cameron, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Codemeru Vai, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, Payton Spencer, Zarn Sullivan.
BRUMBIES
The ACT Brumbies will once again start as Australia’s best hope to end New Zealand’s domination of Super Rugby Pacific. With a strong squad and top coach in Stephen Larkham, they have every chance of achieving that goal.
LAST YEAR IN SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SEMI-FINALS
It was another case of what might have been for the Brumbies. Making the play-offs is the easy part for the Canberra-based club but doing enough to secure a home semi-final again proved their undoing. A final round 33-31 home loss to eventual champions Crusaders proved to be crucial in the final play-off mix.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
The Brumbies face two challenging opening games, with away fixtures in Perth against the Western Force and in Christchurch against the Crusaders. Home fans will get to see their team in action against the Blues and Reds, before a trip to Fiji to play the Fijian Drua.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
The Brumbies have won two Super Rugby titles (in 2001 and 2004) but no more silverware has been on display at Canberra Stadium since then, despite being in the mix at play-off time most years. Making it past New Zealand teams to reach the final has been the Brumbies’ biggest bugbear. They have reached the semi-final stage in the last four Super Rugby Pacific seasons but only once (in 2013) have the Brumbies made the grand final since that last title win in 2004. So, no shortage of motivation for this year’s squad, again coached by one of the title-winning Brumbies, Stephen Larkham. He will field one of the competition’s best backlines, with former NSW Waratah Tane Edmed joining quality attacking strength in Ryan Lonergan, Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead, and Tom Wright. Young midfielder Jarrah McLeod is an exciting new addition along with Australian Under 20 outside back Shane Wilcox.
It will be a campaign full of individual achievements. Allan Alaalatoa (146 Brumbies caps), Rob Valetini and Tom Wright (96), and Ryan Lonergan (92), should reach major milestones for the club. Evergreen prop and captain James Slipper is set to become the most-capped player in Super Rugby history. The 36-year-old is just four appearances shy of Wyatt Crockett’s competition record (202) on 198 caps in total (104 for the Reds, 94 for the Brumbies). There is no shortage of international experience in Larkham’s squad. Nine players wore the Wallabies’ jersey last year in Alaalatoa, Slipper, Billy Pollard, Nick Frost, Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Edmed, Corey Toole and Wright. Five others, in Blake Schoupp, Lachlan Lonergan, Cadeyrn Neville, Charlie Cale and Luke Reimer have previously played for Australia.
“We have a lot of talent coming through that is a bit younger and shown a lot of promise in our junior rep sides,” says Larkham. “We're very conscious that the players that we bring into the Brumbies, we want to make sure they have that potential to play at the next level, to go on and play for the Wallabies. We do mix that youth with really good experience. And a big part of the Brumbies programme is continuity and making sure that we keep the squad together for a long period of time.
“We’ve got some experienced players there that can guide these younger players through. It's going to be challenging without the likes of Tom Hooper, Len Ikitau and Noah Lolesio, but it’s an exciting time where hopefully we see some of these guys put their hands up and become superstars.”
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Harvey Cordukes (France). Backs: Tane Edmed (Waratahs), Kye Oates (Canberra), Austin Anderson (Waikato), Jarrah McLeod (Canberra), Shane Wilcox (Academy).
ACT BRUMBIES SQUAD
FORWARDS:
Allan Alaalatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Lington Ieli, Tevita Alatini, Rhys Van Nek, Billy Pollard, Chris Mickelson, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Bowron, Cadeyrn Neville, Harvey Cordukes, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson, Charlie Cale, Eli Langi, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima.
BACKS:
Dan Nelson, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Joe Dillon, Tane Edmed, Austin Anderson, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Jarrah McLeod, Kadin Pritchard, Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kye Oates, Ollie Sapsford, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright.
CHIEFS
Making a Super Rugby Pacific final is a dream for many clubs. But to lose three in succession is proving hard to take for Chiefs’ players, coaches and fans.
LAST YEAR IN SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SECOND
The crucial moment for the Chiefs came in their home quarter-final against the Blues. After finishing the round robin competition on top, the Chiefs held the advantage over the Crusaders to host the final — but then they lost to the Blues 20-19. As the highest seeded losing team, the Chiefs hosted the Brumbies in Hamilton in one semi-final (won 37–17), before losing the final 16-12 to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
Two tough local derbies away to the Blues and Highlanders kick-off the campaign. The Chiefs are then home to the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika, before an Australian road trip to play the Brumbies and Western Force. The return match against Moana Pasifika in Tonga on April 11 should be memorable.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
Replacing Clayton McMillan is not going to be easy. The inspirational head coach, who changed not just the on-field performances but the culture at the club, has moved to Munster in Ireland. Up steps assistant coach and proud former Chiefs’ loose forward, Jono Gibbes. He worked closely with McMillan so don’t expect too many changes. What worked for the Chiefs in making three straight grand finals will continue.
“It’s an exciting time for the club. This group combines experience, energy and skill to create a cohesive team. We’ve kept a strong core group of players who know what it means to wear the jersey and added players who complement that stability,” says Gibbes.
“Our PU’s (provincial unions) do a great job of building talent with a lot of young players ready to take that step up to Super level. Many of the players have already been part of the Chiefs’ environment one way or the other, so we have a real togetherness to the squad.”
The Chiefs undoubtedly have a powerful squad, stacked with current and former All Blacks and some bright young talent coming through the ranks.
The midfield is again strong, with Hamilton-born Lalakai Foketi returning to his roots from the Waratahs, with Anton Lienert-Brown taking a sabbatical in Japan. New signing Kyle Brown (USA), Daniel Rona and All Black Quinn Tupaea add to the midfield depth.
Halfback Cortez Ratima and mercurial first-five Damian McKenzie will be at the heart of the Chiefs’ attacking plays. Fans are excited about the signing of wing Kyren Taumoefolau from Moana Pasifika, who was one of the top try scorers in last year’s competition. He adds to the sparkling attacking ability from All Blacks Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter, plus Etene Nanai-Seturo, Liam Coombes-Fabling and Isaac Hutchinson.
Tough hooker Tyrone Thompson returns following a year playing rugby league in the NRL. He bolsters a strong forward pack stacked with All Blacks in Samisoni Taukei’aho, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie McAlister and Josh Lord. That is some lineup. There is also ample depth among the props, including Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jared Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill and Sione Ahio.
The Chiefs celebrate 30 years as a Super Rugby club in 2026. Fans will get their first chance to see the team run out at home against long-time rivals the Crusaders in round three on Feb 28 — a repeat of the first Chiefs home game in 1996.
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Benet Kumeroa (Bay of Plenty), Taine Kolose (Bay of Plenty), Tyrone Thompson (Newcastle Knights), Jayden Sa (Taranaki), Aisake Vakasiuola (Bay of Plenty). Backs: Lalakai Foketi (Waratahs), Kyle Brown (Utah, USA), Kyren Taumoefalou (Moana Pasifika), Tepaea Cook-Savage (Waikato), Isaac Hutchinson (Canterbury).
CHIEFS SQUAD
FORWARDS: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jared Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio, Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Taine Kolose, Tyrone Thompson, Aisake Vakasiuola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’I, Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi.
BACKS: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling.
CRUSADERS
The Crusaders are used to being the defending champions more than any other club. Once again, they deserve the pre-season confidence placed on them.
LAST YEAR IN SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: Champions
Just when rugby pundits decided the reign of the Crusaders was over — after an abject failure in 2024 — the perennial favourites bounced back to claim a memorable title. Sticking to what has worked so well in the past proved to be the decisive factor in last year’s success.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
The Crusaders have three matches left to play at Apollo Projects Stadium — against the Brumbies, Highlanders and Fijian Drua — before they move across to the Christchurch CBD and base themselves at One New Zealand Stadium. The NSW Waratahs are the first opponents at their new home.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
Captain David Havili will lead his men in arguably the biggest year in Crusaders’ history. The club celebrates 30 years of Super Rugby and will finally leave the venerable, old Apollo Projects Stadium to move into their magnificent new covered home. One New Zealand Stadium opens for rugby with a three-day spectacular of 10 Super Rugby Pacific games in round 11 in April. Playing home games at this new world class facility can only enhance the Crusaders’ title chances.
All Blacks dominate the Crusaders’ 38-strong squad. Props Fletcher Newell, George Bower and Tamaiti Williams — along with hooker Codie Taylor — give the Crusaders high quality, international front row depth, with Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie and Cullen Grace other standouts in the pack. Scott Barrett will miss most of the campaign after taking a non-playing sabbatical after the 2025 international season.
“We’ve got a group of men here who understand what it means to be a Crusader,” says head coach Rob Penney, who takes charge of the team for the third year. “They’re hungry and ready to work. There’s a great balance of experience and youth, and we’re excited about what this group can achieve together.”
Everyone associated with the Crusaders want to farewell one of their best players in style. Flying wing Sevu Reece departs at the end of this campaign to take up a contract with French side Perpignan. Since scoring two tries on debut in 2019, he has been a try-scoring revelation. Last year he scored his 66th Super Rugby try to surpass TJ Perenara’s all-time record.
Centre/wing Leicester Fainga’anuku’s return to Christchurch, from Toulon in France, is a major boost to the Crusaders’ backline. The powerful 26-year-old — with unique middle names including Wales and Twickenham — is at the peak of his powers and showed his worth playing for the All Blacks late last year. He adds extra quality to the midfield depth that includes David Havili, Dallas McLeod and Braydon Ennor, who have all worn the All Black jersey. Will Jordan continues to be a supreme attacking force from fullback, while wings Macca Springer and Chay Fihaki know their way to the tryline.
The Crusaders have added some new young, talented players — who have all come through the Crusaders Academy — in midfielder Toby Bell, halfback Louie Chapman, outside back Maloni Kunawave, lock Liam Jack, hooker Manumaua Letiu and first-five James White.
The battle for the starting halfback’s jersey should be intense between Noah Hotham, Kyle Preston and Chapman. First-five Rivez Reihana stepped up to kick vital goals to win last year’s Super Rugby Pacific final. The Ma- ori All Blacks’ pivot will be a key driving force in the backline
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Will Tucker (Japan), Liam Jack (Canterbury). Backs: Louie Chapman (Canterbury), James White (Canterbury), Toby Bell (Canterbury), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Toulon).
CRUSADERS SQUAD
FORWARDS:
Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumaua Letiu, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Scott Barrett, Tahlor Cahill, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi.
BACKS:
Kyle Preston, Louie Chapman, Noah Hotham, James White, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara, Aki Tuivailala, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Toby Bell, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicoll, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.