Aussies are crossing the Tasman and Argentinians are signing up as the 11 Super Rugby Pacific franchises named their squads for the 2026 season.
Following are the big transfer news from all of the squads with only the Aussie lineups included.
- Defending champions Crusaders (Christchurch-based) opted to promote from within but are also buoyed by the return of All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku from Europe.
- For the 2025 runners-up Chiefs (Hamilton-based), they have signed former Wallaby Lalakai Foketi from the NSW Waratahs while Kyren Taumoefolau joins from Moana Pasifika.
- The Western Force (Perth) have signed Argentinian lock Franco Molina, ex-All Blacks winger George Bridge and former Wallaby Darby Lancaster.
- The Hurricanes (Wellington-based) get All Black Jordie Barrett back from a playing sabbatical with Irish side Leinster as well as NZ-born Japan captain Warner Dearns.
- The Reds (Queensland) have signed Wallaby Carter Gordon, who played for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL until he was released, Fijian international Ben Volavola and former Chiefs and All-Black-turned-Wallaby prop Aidan Ross.
- NSW (Sydney) recruited forwards Matt Philip (from Japan) and Pete Samu (France) even as they lose the likes of props Angus Bell (sabbatical) and Taniela Tupou (France).
- Moana Pasifika (Auckland-based) signed former Warrior and All Black Ngani Laumape and Japanese hooker Mamoru Harada but All Black Ardie Savea will be on sabbatical.
- The Brumbies (ACT) signed Wallabies flyhalf Tane Edmed from NSW while Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper have joined English side Exeter.
- The Blues (Auckland) remain stable but signed Pita Ahki from France, Chiefs forwards Bradley Slater and Malachi Wrampling, and centre James Cameron from the Crusaders.
- The Fijian Drua signed lock Temo Mayanavanua from England and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa from the Force.
- The Highlanders signed Argentinian lock Tomas Lavanini from France while All Black prop Angus Ta’avao joins from the Blues and Reesjan Pasitoa moving across from the Force.
AUSSIES NAME THEIR SQUADS
Western Force: Feao Fotuaika, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Josh Smith, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tom Robertson, Sef Fa’agase, Albert Alcock, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Nic Dolly, Darcy Swain, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Carlo Tizzano, Kane Koteka, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Will Harris, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Doug Philipson, Nathan Hastie, Henry Robertson, Agustin Moyano, Ben Donaldson, Max Burey, Alex Harford, Divad Palu, Boston Fakafanua, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, George Bridge, Kurtley Beale, Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Dylan Pietsch and Ronan Leahy.
Queensland Reds: Aidan Ross, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Nick Bloomfield, Trevor King, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, Richie Asiata, Hamish Muller, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh, Dre Pakeho, Frankie Goldsbrough, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Heremaia Murray, Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Nicholas Conway, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch, Ben Volavola, Filipo Daugunu, and Treyvon Pritchard.
NSW Waratahs: Apolosi Ranawai, Dan Botha, Isaac Kailea, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Tom Lambert, Will Goddard, Ethan Dobbins, Folau Fainga’a, Ioane Moananu, Angus Blyth, Ben Grant, Eamon Doyle, Matt Philip, Miles Amatosero, Austin Durbidge, Charlie Gamble, Jamie Adamson, Lachlan Hooper, Leafi Talataina, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Michael McDonald, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Jack Debreczeni, Lawson Creighton, George Poolman, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Archie Saunders, Harry Potter, James Hendren, Leo Jaques, Sid Harvey, Triston Reilly and Max Jorgensen.
ACT Brumbies: Allan Ala’alatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Lington Ieli, Tevita Alatini, 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, Dan Nelson, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Joe Dillon, Tane Edmed, Austin Anderson, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Jarrah McLeod, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kye Oates, Shane Wilcox and Tom Wright.
OTHER SUPER RUGBY NEWS: Christchurch to host Super round at new stadium.
