Super Rugby 2025: Now with 100% less Melbourne. Or Rebellions.

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The annual Super Rugby tournament will be coming up in just a month. This year, there will be an uneven number of teams at 11 due to the Melbourne Rebels franchise being disbanded after mounting debts.

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The Blues are coming into the competition as defending champions, finally ending their 21-year drought as Super Rugby champions. The squad is largely settled, but has lost a huge piece in Bryce Heem, who would have been in the midfield were it not for a wrist injury, as well as dynamic test forward Akira Ioane, who always added value when fit.


Hookers
Kurt Eklund
James Mullan
Ricky Riccitelli

Props
Ben Ake
Josh Fusitua
Jordan Lay
Marcel Renata
PJ Sheck
Angus Taʻavao
Ofa Tuʻungafasi

Locks
Josh Beehre
Cam Christie
Sam Darry
Laghlan McWhannell
Patrick Tuipulotu (c)

Loose forwards
Adrian Choat
Che Clark
Dalton Papalii
Anton Segner
Hoskins Sotutu
Cameron Suafoa

Halfbacks
Finlay Christie
Taufa Funaki
Sam Nock

First five-eighths
Beauden Barrett
Stephen Perofeta
Harry Plummer

Midfielders
Corey Evans
Meihana Grindlay
Rieko Ioane
Xavi Taele

Outside backs
Caleb Clarke
Cole Forbes
AJ Lam
Reon Paul
Payton Spencer
Zarn Sullivan
Mark Tele'a

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120 kms down SH1 from Auckland, the Chiefs will be looking to do one better from last year where they were runners-up. Like the Blues, they have a very settled squad, and have off-set some departures with quality recruitments. Brodie McAllister moves up from Christchurch to replace Tyrone Thompson, who has converted to league and joined his twin brother at the Newcastle Knights, and Josh Jacomb joins as a proper squad member, replacing Josh Ioane, who has gone and joined Connacht.
In the loose forwards, the Chiefs have lured Jahrome Brown back to Waikato from the Brumbies, adding some muscle to the forwards, and have snared 7s stand-out Leroy Carter, who adds versatility as a viable back-up halfback.


Hookers
Brodie McAlister
Bradley Slater
Samisoni Taukei'aho

Props
Sione Ahio
George Dyer
Ollie Norris
Reuben O'Neill
Jared Proffit
Aidan Ross

Locks
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Josh Lord
Fiti Sa
Manaaki Selby-Rickit
Jimmy Tupou
Tupou Vaa'i

Loose forwards
Kaylum Boshier
Jahrome Brown
Samipeni Finau
Luke Jacobson (c)
Simon Parker
Wallace Sititi
Malachi Wrampling-Alec

Halfbacks
Cortez Ratima
Xavier Roe
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi

First five-eighths
Josh Jacomb
Damian McKenzie
Kaleb Trask

Midfielders
Anton Lienert-Brown
Rameka Poihipi
Daniel Rona
Quinn Tupaea
Gideon Wrampling

Outside backs
Leroy Carter
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Etene Nanai-Seturo
Emoni Narawa
Shaun Stevenson

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Over in the capitol, the Hurricanes have had some significant departures - Jordie Barrett will spend this season in Dublin, Ardie Savea has headed off to Auckland to join Moana Pasifika, TJ Perenara has signed with Toyota in Japan, Josh Moorby has joined Montpellier, Salesi Rayasi has joined recently promoted to the Top 14 RC Vannes, and Richard Judd has rejoined San Diego Legion in the MLR. In addition, despite being named in the squad, Brett Cameron is likely to sit out this season as well due to a knee injury incurred during the NPC last year. Further, Aidan Morgan has left to join Ulster with a goal to play test rugby for Ireland, promising flanker TK Howden and reliable veteran lock James Tucker has moved to play lower division professional rugby in Japan. Replacing these departures Replacing them are promising Hawke's Bay lock Tom Allen, Crusaders reserve lock Zach Gallagher, and James Tucker's brother Will, young Taranaki flanker Arese Poliko, Samoan test halfback Ere Enari, another promising five-eighth Lucas Cashmore, veteran five-eighth Riley Hohepa, Taranaki winger Tjay Clarke, sevens star Fehi Fineanganofo, Blues outside back and prolific NPC tryscorer Kade Banks, while Jordi Viljoen gains a contract as a full squad member.


Hookers
Asafo Aumua
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Props
Siale Lauaki
Tyrel Lomax
Tevita Mafileo
Xavier Numia
Pouri Rakete-Stones
Pasilio Tosi

Locks
Tom Allen
Caleb Delany
Zach Gallagher
Josh Taula
Will Tucker
Isaia Walker-Leawere

Loose forwards
Devan Flanders
Brayden Iose
Du'Plessis Kirifi
Peter Lakai
Arese Poliko
Brad Shields (c)

Halfbacks
Ere Enari
Cam Roigard
Jordi Viljoen

First five-eighths
Brett Cameron
Lucas Cashmore
Riley Hohepa

Midfielders
Riley Higgins
Billy Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan
Peter Umaga-Jensen

Outside backs
Kade Banks
Tjay Clarke
Fehi Fineanganofo
Harry Godfrey
Ruben Love
Kini Naholo
Ngane Punivai
Daniel Sinkinson

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The Crusaders, by anyone's standards, let alone theirs, very much had a season to forget in 2024. There's been a bit of a clear-out, with veterans like Joe Moody, Ryan Crotty, Owen Franks and Willi Heinz all gone, and Leigh Halfpenny departing as scheduled for the Harlequins in England. They've also lost reliable hooker Brodie McAllister, who has travelled to the Chiefs to compete for more game time and a potential starting spot while Teauki'aho recovers from an Achilles injury, and Fergus Burke, who has gone to the Saracens.
Previous short-term call-ups Seb Calder, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Antonio Shalfoon and Fletcher Anderson have gained their first full-time contracts. Meanwhile, they've cast their nets wide, nabbing Kyle Preston from Wellington, Xavier Saifoloi and Aki Tuivailala from the Mooloos, and most notably, James O'Connor from the Queensland Reds to add some key experience at first five-eighth.

Hookers
George Bell
Ioane Moananu
Codie Taylor

Props
George Bower
Finlay Brewis
Seb Calder
Fletcher Newell
Kershawl Sykes-Martin
Tamaiti Williams

Locks
Scott Barrett
Tahlor Cahill
Jamie Hannah
Antonio Shalfoon
Quinten Strange

Loose forwards
Fletcher Anderson
Ethan Blackadder
Tom Christie
Dominic Gardiner
Cullen Grace
Corey Kellow
Christian Lio-Willie
Xavier Saifoloi

Halfbacks
Mitchell Drummond
Noah Hotham
Kyle Preston

First five-eighths
Taha Kemara
James O'Connor
Rivez Reihana

Midfielders
Levi Aumua
Braydon Ennor
David Havili
Dallas McLeod

Outside backs
Chay Fihaki
Will Jordan
Sevu Reece
Macca Springer
Johnny McNicholl
Aki Tuivailala

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Youth is the name of the game for the Highlanders, who have made some big changes. Of the 13 new recruits, 10 of them are 22 or younger, and the majority of the retained squad are in the first half of their 20s.

Up front, Rohan Wingham gets his first proper contract, and is joined by Former Chiefs and Force guy Josh Bartlett, veteran Tongan prop Sefo Kautai out of Japanese rugby, and injury call-up Rohan Wingham in the props. Promising Blues hooker Soane Vikena has moved south targeting game time. Lui Naeata is another Tongan veteran brought over from Japanese rugby, and slots into the loose forwards alongside TK Howden from the Hurricanes and Veveni Lasaqa from the Bay of Plenty.
In the backs, they have recruited versatile back Taine Robinson, who has made some appearances for the Crusaders in the past, but the biggest changes have been in the outside backs, which has seen Caleb Tangitau shift to XVs from the 7s programme, Finn Hurley get his first proper contract after some injury call-ups in the past, and U20s rep Josh Whaanga and the well-travelled Michael Manson collect contracts for the season.


Hookers
Henry Bell
Jack Taylor
Soane Vikena

Props
Josh Bartlett
Ethan de Groot
Sefo Kautai
Daniel Lienert-Brown
Saula Ma'u
Rohan Wingham

Locks
Mitchell Dunshea
Fabian Holland
Will Stodart

Loose Forwards
Nikora Broughton
Oliver Haig
TK Howden
Veveni Lasaqa
Hayden Michaels
Lui Naeata
Hugh Renton
Sean Withy

Halfbacks
James Arscott
Folau Fakatava
Nathan Hastie

First five-eighths
Ajay Faleafaga
Cam Millar
Taine Robinson

Midfielders
Sam Gilbert
Jake Te Hiwi
Tanielu Teleʻa
Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Outside backs
Finn Hurley
Jonah Lowe
Michael Manson
Jona Nareki
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Caleb Tangitau
Timoci Tavatavanawai
Josh Whaanga

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Moana Pasifika made huge gains on the field last year, recording their best ever season to date under new coach Tana Umaga. They've also managed some big signings, nabbing Ardie Savea from the Hurricanes, along with former Wallabies prop Pone Fa'amausili and Tongan international five-eighths Patrick Pellegrini.
There have been some key departures, Ere Enari left to the Hurricanes, Sekope Kepu has retired and Christian Leali'ifano has headed to LA to play in the MLR.


Hookers
Tomasi Maka
Sama Malolo
Sam Moli

Props
Chris Apoua
Pone Fa'amausili
James Lay
Sione Mafileo
Abraham Pole
Tito Tuipulotu

Locks
Allan Craig
Michael Curry
Tom Savage
Sam Slade
Ofa Tauatevalu
Ola Tauelangi

Loose forwards
Miracle Faiʻilagi
Sione Havili Talitui
Lotu Inisi
Alamanda Motuga
Semisi Paea
Irie Papuni
Ardie Savea

Halfbacks
Aisea Halo
Melani Matavao
Jonathan Taumateine

First five-eighths
Jackson Garden-Bachop
William Havili
Patrick Pellegrini

Midfielders
Solomon Alaimalo
Fine Inisi
Lalomilo Lalomilo
Julian Savea

Outside backs
Losi Filipo
Neria Fomai
Pepesana Patafilo
Kyren Taumoefolau
Danny Toala
Tuna Tuitama

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The Queensland Reds have had an off-season of mixed blessings. The demise of the Rebels has been their gain, salvaging Wallabies Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham and Filipo Daugunu among a slew of newbies out of Melbourne including NRL legend Carter Gordon's brother Mason.

Meanwhile, the team has lost Suliasi Vunivalu, James O'Connor and Jordan Petaia. Vunivalu, while the source of some comedy gold Chuckle Brothers rugby at the test level, was still a lethal attacking force on the wing at this level, but has signed with La Rochelle. O'Connor has moved across the ditch to join the Crusaders. Petaia has headed to the NFL as a tight-end waiting to be picked up for a roster via the International Player Pathway programme.


Hookers
Richie Asiata
Max Craig
Matt Faessler
Josh Nasser

Props
George Blake
Massimo de Lutiis
Sef Fa'agase
Matt Gibbon
Alex Hodgman
Trevor King
Zane Nonggorr
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen

Locks
Angus Blyth
Josh Canham
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Ryan Smith
Connor Vest

Loose forwards
Joe Brial
John Bryant
Fraser McReight
Seru Uru
Harry Wilson
Liam Wright (cc)

Halfbacks
Tate McDermott (cc)
Kalani Thomas
Louis Werchon

Five-Eighths
Tom Lynagh
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips

Midfielders
Josh Flook
Frankie Goldsbrough
Isaac Henry
Hunter Paisami
Dre Pakeho

Outside backs
Lachie Anderson
Jock Campbell
Filipo Daugunu
Jude Gibbs
Mason Gordon
Will McCulloch
Heremaia Murray
Tim Ryan

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The NSW Waratahs have had a pretty big off-season, clearing out their coaching ranks. Former Brumbies coach Dan McKellar takes over, and brings assistants Mike Catt (yes, that one) as attack coach, one-cap Wallaby prop Dan Palmer is appointed set-piece coach, and former Brumby and Leicester Tiger Lachlan McCaffrey takes up a role as defence coach, moving on from a similar role with Otago in the NPC.

Like with the Reds, they've picked over the Rebels squad, and have managed to snag some quality players. Wallabies props Isaac Aedo Kailea and Taniela Tupou, along with Rebels hooker Ethan Dobbins. In the second row, they collect promising Fijian lock Angelo Smith. Further bolstering the second row is well-travelled lock Ben Grant, who hops over the ditch from the Hurricanes, and promising 21 year-old lock Ale Aho, out of Otago in the NPC.

In the backrow, the departures of Ned Hanigan and Lachlan Swinton is compensated with the arrivals of Rob Leota, also formerly of the Rebels, and former England and Great Britain Sevens player Jamie Adamson.

In the backline, Lawson Creighton joins from the Reds, while the departures of Wallaby Izaia Perese and Mosese Tuipulotu is made up for with the high-profile signing of Joseph Sua'ali'i.

The big departures of Mark Nawaqanitawase to the NRL and Wallaby Dylan Pietsch to the Force is compensated with the arrivals of Andrew Kellaway and promising young winger Darby Lancaster.

Hookers
Ethan Dobbins
Julian Heaven
Dave Porecki
Mahe Vailanu

Props
Brad Amituanai
Siosifa Amone
Jack Barrett
Angus Bell
Daniel Botha
Adrian Brown
Isaac Aedo Kailea
Tom Lambert
Taniela Tupou

Locks
Ale Aho
Miles Amatosero
Ben Grant
Clem Halaholo
Hugh Sinclair
Angelo Smith

Loose forwards
Jamie Adamson
Charlie Gamble
Langi Gleeson
Mesu Kunavula
Fergus Lee-Warner
Rob Leota
Leafi Talatiana

Halfbacks
Jake Gordon (c)
Jack Grant
Teddy Wilson

First Five-Eighths
Jack Bowen
Lawson Creighton
Tane Edmed

Midfielders
Zack Fittler
Lalakai Foketi
Henry O'Donnell
Lukas Ripley
Jackson Ropata
Joseph Sua'ali'i
Joey Walton

Outside backs
James Hendren
Max Jorgensen
Andrew Kellaway
Darby Lancaster
Triston Reilly
Archie Saunders

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The Brumbies have been incredibly frugal and settled in their squad, with minimal disruptions. They have seen some long-term players depart, with Waikato's favourite Wallaby Darcy Swain moving out west to the Force, Sefo Kautai moving to the Highlanders, and Jaharome Brown headed to the Chiefs, the team has also sent young lock Toby MacPherson on loan to Toyota Verblitz in Japan, and Angus Staniforth to Aurillac in the French Pro D2. Deeper in the squad, Tamati Tua has joined the Exeter Chiefs and reserve hooker Connal McInery has joined New England in the MLR.

Replacing them are just three new faces - Tongan international Feao Fotuaika in the props, Tuaina Tali Tualima in the locks, and David Feliuai joins in the midfield, from the remains of the Rebels.

Hookers
Liam Bowron
Lachlan Lonergan
Billy Pollard

Props
Allan Alaalatoa (c)
Tevita Alatini
Feao Fotuaika
Blake Schoupp
James Slipper
Rhys van Nek
Harry Vella

Locks
Nick Frost
Tom Hooper
Cadeyrn Neville
Lachlan Shaw
Tuaina Taii Tualima

Loose forwards
Charlie Cale
Lachlan Hooper
Luke Reimer
Rory Scott
Rob Valetini

Halfbacks
Harrison Goddard
Ryan Lonergan
Klayton Thorn

First Five-Eighths
Jack Debreczeni
Noah Lolesio

Midfielders
Austin Anderson
Hudson Creighton
David Feliuai
Len Ikitau
Kadin Pritchard
Ollie Sapsford

Outside backs
Declan Meredith
Andy Muirhead
Ben O'Donnell
Corey Toole
Shane Wilcox
Tom Wright

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Simon Cron has been very busy off-season at the Western Force, with big clear-outs across the board. A huge number of the 2024 squad have either headed to Europe, and so there have been some big moves in shoring up the ranks. Wallaby hooker Feleti Kaitu'u has headed to Paris, joining Racing 92, so Wallaby Brandon Paenga-Amosa and one-test England international Nic Dolly have both been lured to Australia. The props have also had a significant shake-up, notably Santiago Medrano of the Pumas taking up a contract in France, while Sifa Amone heads east to the 'Tahs, and Josh Bartlett heads even further east and somewhat south, to join the Highlanders. In their place, former Wallabies prop Tom Robertson re-starts his pro-career after finishing his studies at Oxford, and Harry Johnson-Holmes is lured over from the 'Tahs in a straight swap. Tom Franklin and Izack Rodda both depart for France in the second row, and the big piece of shit Darcy Swain gets called in, alongside Fijian lock/flanker Josh Thompson out of the West Harbour club in the Shute Shield comp. The backrow is largely stable, the departure of Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee and Michael Wells. Vaiolini Ekuasi from the Rebels is picked up, alongside well-travelled veterans Nick Champion de Crespigny and Kane Koteka.
In the backline, Ollie Cummins, Nikolai Foliaki and Sam Spink leave for overseas contracts, while Henry O'Donnell departs for the Waratahs. Replacing them are Matt Proctor and Divad Palu from the Rebels and Sio Tompkinson from Wales. In the back three quarters, Chase Tiatia departs for Japan, while the veteran Taquele Naiyavoro heads to France. Joining them are new Wallaby Dylan Pietsch from the Waratahs and Mac Grealy from the Reds.

Hookers
Nic Dolly
Tom Horton
Brandon Paenga-Amosa

Props
Ryan Coxon
Harry Hoopert
Harry Johnson-Holmes
Atu Moli
Marley Pearce
Tom Robertson
Tiaan Tauakipulu

Locks
Sam Carter
Lopeti Faifua
Darcy Swain
Josh Thompson
Jeremy Williams (c)

Loose Forwards
Nick Champion de Crespigny
Vaiolini Ekuasi
Will Harris
Kane Koteka
Reed Prinsep
Papillon Sevele
Carlo Tizzano
Mitch Watts

Halfbacks
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Doug Philipson
Henry Robertson
Nic White

First Five-Eighths
Max Burey
Ben Donaldson
Reesjan Pasitoa

Midfielders
Bayley Kuenzle
Divad Palu
Matt Proctor
Hamish Stewart
Sio Tomkinson

Outside backs
Kurtley Beale
Mac Grealy
Ronan Leahy
Dylan Pietsch
George Poolman
Harry Potter

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Another team with minimum movement, the Fijian Drua has stayed largely true to the squad that got them to the play-offs last year. Jone Koroiduadua goes to New England in the MLR, and is replaced by former Reds prop Peni Ravai, Joseva Tamani joins from Colomiers to bolster the backrow, and Ponipate Loganimasi and Vuate Karawalevu join the back three quarters. The only area of concern is the midfield, where they see the departures of Apisalome Vota, Michael Naitokani and Waqa Nalaga, with no replacements.


Hookers
Mesu Dolokoto
Tevita Ikanivere (cc)
Zuriel Togiatama

Props
Mesake Doge
Haereiti Hetet
Livai Natave
Peni Ravai
Samu Tawake
Meli Tuni
Emosi Tuqiri

Locks
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Isoa Nasilasila
Ratu Leone Rotuisolia
Sailosi Vakalokalo
Mesake Vocevoce

Loose Forwards
Elia Canakaivata
Meli Derenalagi
Vilive Miramira
Motikai Murray
Kitione Salawa Jr.
Joseva Tamani
Etonia Waqa

Halfbacks
Philip Baselala
Simione Kuruvoli
Frank Lomani (cc)
Ratu Peni Matawalu

First Five-Eighths
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Caleb Muntz
Isikeli Rabitu
Kemu Valetini

Midfielders
Iosefo Masi
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Inia Tabuavou

Back Three Quarters
Ilaisa Droasese
Vuate Karawalevu
Ponepati Loganimasi
Epeli Momo
Taniela Rakuro
Junior Ratuva
Selestino Ravutaumada

[Cameo]

Based on the first two rounds, reports of the fall of Super Rugby are premature.

Every game seems to have been close, and it has been ridiculously high scoring. Dunno if the law variations are being reffed slightly differently or if it is the usual free flowing start to the season in good weather.

Highlights so far have included Highlanders holding off the Blues even though they were down to 13 for 20 mins because of that ridiculous non-contested scrum rule that did for Italy a few years ago. Also, Waratahs v Highlanders was a classic last week with Waratahs winning in the final minute. Moana Pasifika have looked much stronger but two defeats (including one from two scores up with five minutes to play vs Force.

Chiefs looking the team to beat, but early days.