Fan favourites will take the field once again, while a new generation of stars will emerge on the DHL Super Rugby Pacific stage.
DHL Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says the 2026 season is shaping up to be a special one.
“After a fantastic 2025 season, where the standard of rugby and the connection with fans reached new heights, celebrating 30 years of Super Rugby is about more than reminiscing. It’s a chance to recognise how players, clubs, and fans have all built this competition into the most exciting club rugby competition in the world.
“The 2026 squads show the strength of DHL Super Rugby Pacific right now. It’s great to see young players stepping up alongside established stars, and the competition between teams is tighter than ever. It’s an exciting place for our competition to be as we head into a milestone season.”
ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies have welcomed Wallaby and former NSW Waratah Tane Edmed to their squad, joining a number of electric backs including the likes of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead, and Tom Wright. Stephen Larkham has made an exciting pick-up in young midfielder Jarrah Mcleod, who impressed for the First Nations & Pasifika XV in their game against the British and Irish Lions this year. Outside back Shane Wilcox starred for the Australian Under 20s in both the U20 Rugby Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship in 2025 and will be looking to make his mark in DHL Super Rugby Pacific in 2026.
Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Lington Ieli, Tevita Alatini, Rhys Van Nek
Hookers: Billy Pollard, Chris Mickelson, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Bowron
Locks: Cadeyrn Neville, Harvey Cordukes, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost
Back Row: Toby Macpherson, Charlie Cale, Eli Langi, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima
Halfbacks: Dan Nelson, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan
Flyhalves: Declan Meredith, Joe Dillon, Tane Edmed
Midfield: Austin Anderson, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Jarrah McLeod, Kadin Pritchard
Outside Backs: Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kye Oates, Ollie Sapsford, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright
Blues
The Blues have named a 38-player squad with a strong mix of homegrown young talent and returning stars. Midfielder Pita Ahki rejoins the club after several successful years in Europe, with Rieko Ioane on sabbatical in Ireland. Head Coach Vern Cotter will welcome the return of veteran All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, the Auckland-based team’s second most capped player who sat out the 2025 season with a neck injury. Bradley Slater has been enticed up State Highway 1, with the former Chiefs hooker bringing experience to a powerful front row group.
Props: Ben Ake, Flyn Yates, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Hookers: Bradley Slater, James Mullan, Kurt Eklund
Locks: Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Tristyn Cook
Loose Forwards: Anton Segner, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Malachi Wrampling, Terrell Peita
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First Fives: Beauden Barrett, Rico Simpson, Stephen Perofeta
Midfield: AJ Lam, Corey Evans, James Cameron, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele
Outside Backs: Caleb Clarke, Cody Vai, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, Payton Spencer, Zarn Sullivan
Chiefs
With new head coach Jono Gibbes at the helm, this year’s runners-up have gone for balance between experience and emerging talent in their 2026 squad. Many fans are excited about the arrival of Kyren Taumoefolau from Moana Pasifika, a star of DHL Super Rugby Pacific in 2025, with 9 tries to his name. Hooker Tyrone Thompson returns following a year playing rugby league, bolstering a forward pack that also welcomes prop Benet Kumeroa and hooker Taine Kolose from this year's wider training group. With Chiefs centurion Anton Lienert-Brown on sabbatical in 2026, the signing of former NSW Waratahs midfielder Lalakai Foketi brings versatility and proven DHL Super Rugby Pacific experience to the midfield.
Props: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jared Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio
Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Taine Kolose, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Aisake Vakasiuola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i
Loose Forwards: Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe
First Fives: Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Tepaea Cook-Savage
Midfield: Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea
Outside Backs: Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Crusaders
Leicester Fainga’anuku’s return to Christchurch headlines the defending DHL Super Rugby Pacific champion’s 2026 squad. The remainder of the Crusaders’ squad is settled, with two notable up and coming inclusions. Rob Penney has named two stars from the 2025 New Zealand Under 20s team, winger Maloni Kunawave, alongside hooker and captain, Manumaua Letiu. Fresh off a standout campaign for Canterbury in the NPC, halfback Louie Chapman has been named in the squad alongside Noah Hotham and Kyle Preston.
Props: Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Tamaiti Williams
Hookers: Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumaua Letiu
Locks: Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Scott Barrett, Tahlor Cahill
Loose Forwards: Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi
Halfbacks: Kyle Preston, Louie Chapman, Noah Hotham
First Fives: James White, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara
Midfield: Aki Tuivailala, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Toby Bell
Outside Backs: Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicoll, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Highlanders
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has gone international for DHL Super Rugby Pacific 2026, with 86-test Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini coming to the deep south following a five-year stint in France’s Top 14. Closer to home, the Highlanders have recruited two stars of the 2025 New Zealand Under-20s team in Stanley Solomon and Dylan Pledger. With speedsters Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens already on the books, the arrival of New Zealand Sevens stars Andrew Knewstubb and Xavier Tito-Harris will bring some extra pace to the Highlanders backline for 2026.
Props: Angus Ta'avao, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ethan de Groot, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma'u, Sosefo Kautai
Hookers: Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena
Locks: Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Tai Cribb, Tomas Lavanini, Will Stodart
Loose Forwards: Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa
Halfbacks: Adam Lennox, Dylan Pledger, Folau Fakatava
First Fives: Andrew Knewstubb, Cameron Millar, Taine Robinson
Midfield: Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Whaanga, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside Backs: Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-Harris
Fijian Drua
Head Coach Glen Jackson has welcomed four development players into the Fijian Drua core squad for the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. These players are hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua, midfielder Maika Tuitubou, and outside backs Isikeli Basiyalo and Aisea Nawai. Former Force player Issak Fines-Leleiwasa adds impressive depth at halfback for the Drua, while Suva born winger Manasa Mataele will add his 58 caps worth of DHL Super Rugby Pacific experience to a young and exciting backline that includes fan favourites Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Ponipate Loganimasi.
Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravi, Samuela Tawake
Hookers: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesu Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Angelo Smith, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Vilive Miramira
Back Row: Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Joe Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray
Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli
Flyhalves: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Kemu Valetini
Midfield: Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Namoce, Joji Nasova, Maika Tuitubou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Outside Backs: Aisea Nawai, Epeli Momo, Ilaisa Droasese, Isikeli Basiyalo, Manasa Mataele, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes kicked off the excitement for the 2026 season when they announced the signing of Japan international Warner Dearns in June. The Wellington born star will join Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Hugo Plummer and Tom Allen in the locking department. Jordie Barrett will run out in the black and yellow following his 2025 sabbatical with Irish club Leinster, bolstering the Hurricanes midfield stock. Josh Moorby also returns to Wellington following a stint with Montpellier in France.
Props: Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason
Locks: Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tom Allen, Warner Dearns
Loose Forwards: Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Ereatara Enari, Jordi Viljeon
First Fives: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Harry Godfrey*, Callum Harkin
Midfield: Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, Josh Timu, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside Backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Moana Pasifika
Following a historic season in 2025, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has some surprises in store for 2026. In the front row, Moana Pasifika will welcome Japanese hooker Mamoru Harada from Toshiba Brave Lupus. Another recruit who has been plying their trade in Japan’s Rugby League One is former Hurricane Ngani Laumape, who will bring his signature power game to the midfield alongside Tevita Latu, Julian Savea and Lalomilo Lalomilo. There are two new names at lock for Moana Pasifika, with Alefosio Aho being welcomed to the team alongside former Chiefs lock Jimmy Tupou.
Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu
Hookers: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samiuela Moli
Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage
Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Tupou Afungia
Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini
First Fives: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu
Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili
NSW Waratahs
Head Coach Dan McKellar has been busy in the off-season recruiting a host of players to Sydney for 2026. Pete Samu returns to DHL Super Rugby Pacific following his time in the French Top 14 with Bordeaux. He adds power to the Waratahs back row alongside another new recruit, Lachlan Hooper. Ioane Moananu joins the Waratahs from the Crusaders and will link up with the recently returned Folau Fainga in the hooker position. Wallaby winger Harry Potter will don the Waratahs jersey this season and connect with his test team mates, including Joseph Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Andrew Kellaway, giving the NSW team plenty of attacking firepower.
Props: Apolosi Ranawai, Dan Botha, Isaac Kailea, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Tom Lambert, Will Goddard
Hookers: Ethan Dobbins, Folau Fainga'a, Ioane Moananu
Locks: Angus Blyth, Ben Grant, Eamon Doyle, Matt Philip, Miles Amatosero
Back Row: Austin Durbidge, Charlie Gamble, Jamie Adamson, Lachlan Hooper, Leafi Talataina, Pete Samu
Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Michael McDonald, Teddy Wilson
Flyhalves: Jack Bowen, Jack Debreczeni, Lawson Creighton
Midfield: George Poolman, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Outside Backs: Andrew Kellaway, Archie Saunders, Harry Potter, James Hendren, Leo Jaques, Max Jorgensen, Sid Harvey, Triston Reilly
Queensland Reds
The Reds have bolstered their squad for 2026 with some big-name signings. Playmaker and Fijian international Ben Volavola returns to Australian rugby after a stint in Europe. He joins Carter Gordon in returning to Super Rugby Pacific, and the pair will play a key role in shaping the Queensland Reds attack under Les Kiss. Former Chiefs prop Aidan Ross will play his first DHL Super Rugby Pacific season in maroon, following his Wallabies debut in October, linking up with stalwarts Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Zane Nonggorr in the front row.
Props: Aidan Ross, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Nick Bloomfield, Trevor King, Zane Nonggorr
Hookers: Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, Richie Asiata
Locks: Hamish Muller, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru
Back Row: Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial, John Bryant
Halfbacks: Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon, Tate McDermott
Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh
Midfield: Dre Pakeho, Frankie Goldsbrough, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook
Outside Backs: Heremaia Murray, Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Nick Conway, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch
Utility: Ben Volavola, Filipo Daugunu, Treyvon Pritchard
Western Force
The Force squad for 2026 sees a lot of continuity, with much of their 2025 squad returning and looking to improve on their 9th place finish. DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s top try scorer Carlo Tizzano and fellow loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny headline a powerful back row offering that also includes Kane Koteka, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Vaiolini Ekuasi, and Will Harris. The Force’s new signings bring some international flavour and quality to the Perth outfit. Argentinian lock Franco Molina joins the side after a strong Rugby Championship campaign, while former All Black George Bridge and Australia Sevens star Darby Lancaster add strike power out wide. Former Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie has crossed the ditch following a successful season in the NPC with Otago.
Props: Feao Fotuaika, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Josh Smith, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tom Robertson, Sef Fa'agase
Hookers: Albert Alcock, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Nic Dolly
Locks: Darcy Swain, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams, Lopeti Faifua
Loose Forwards: Carlo Tizzano, Kane Koteka, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Will Harris
Halfbacks: Doug Philipson, Nathan Hastie, Henry Robertson, Agustin Moyano
First Fives: Ben Donaldson, Max Burey, Alex Harford
Midfield: Divad Palu, Boston Fakafanua, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle
Outside Backs: George Bridge, Kurtley Beale, Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Dylan Pietsch, Ronan Leahy
Following the success of Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific in 2025, pre-registrations for 2026 are now open via www.playfantasyrugby.com
