Written by Nathan Williamson on Nov 12, 2024 12:58 PM, courtesy of reds.rugby Source article.
The Super Rugby Pacific squads are set to be revealed throughout the day ahead of the 2025 season.
The Australian teams have looked to bolster their squads ahead of the season as they look to break the recent run of Kiwi dominance.
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The likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Dylan Pietsch and Brandon Paenga-Amosa have made moves already whilst former Melbourne Rebels stars such as Taniela Tupou, Filipo Daugunu and David Feliuai have been recruited to other clubs.
Meanwhile, the Kiwi sides have seen plenty of transfers, most notable All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea joining Moana Pasifika.
Follow all the news in the live blog below as teams lock in their squads.
1:00 pm – Blues squad
Finishing with the defending champions, the Blues have a big returning name in Beauden Barrett after his Japanese sabbatical.
The defending champions have looked to the future, signing NZ Under 20s star Xavi Taele alongside Sevens standouts Payton Spencer and Che Clark.
They have also recruited Crusaders and Canterbury hooker James Mullan after his Super Rugby debut last season.
Blues
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
12:00 pm – Western Force and Highlanders squads
The Western Force have built a dangerous roster in 2025, with a host of capped Wallabies calling WA home.
Dylan Pietsch and Brandon Paenga-Amosa are amongst the new faces alongside former Brumby Darcy Swain and Rebels backrower Vaiolini Ekuasi.
Coach Simon Cron has also recruited Australian talent Nic Dolly and Nick Champion de Crespigny back from overseas to add experience to their pack.
As for the Highlanders, they opted for a blend of youth and experience as they build off last year’s finals appearance
Former Brumbies prop Sosefo Kautai joins the Otago-based side whilst explosive outside backs Caleb Tangitau and Finn Hurley are players to watch
Western Force
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
Highlanders
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
11:00 am – Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika squads
Moana Pasifika’s big signing Ardie Savea headlines the refreshed squad that has also added former Chiefs winger Solomon Alaimalo.
Alaimalo returns after a brief stint in the NRL, where he played eight games for the Wests Tigers.
On top of this, they have also signed playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop from Brive, returning to Super Rugby after making his name with the Hurricanes.
The Fijian Drua have also confirmed the signing of Olympic medalist Ponipate Loganimasi, one of three in the squad who helped Fiji take out silver.
33 of their 41 player squad are Flying Fijians, including former Waratah Vuate Karawalevu.
Moana Pasifika
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
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
10:00 am – Queensland Reds and Chiefs squads
A big name on the move for the Reds is Suliasi Vunivalu, not in their squad for 2025.
The Queenslanders are stacked with international talent as the likes of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Filipo Daugunu and Josh Canham head north.
Les Kiss has elevated young guns Will McCulloch and Trevor King to the full squad, with King set to play a big role in the Australia U20s campaign next season
The Chiefs have sought their Sam Cane replacement in ACT Brumbies star Jahrome Brown.
All Black call-up Brodie McAlister has also made the move after starring for the Crusaders.
It comes after they signed All Blacks Sevens standout Leroy Carter to his first Super Rugby contract.
Chiefs
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
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
9:00 am – NSW Waratahs and Crusaders squads
The NSW Waratahs’ roster overhaul is complete with a dozen Wallabies confirmed for 2025.
This includes new recruits Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway.
The Waratahs have also added West Harbour and Otago lock Ale Aho along with former Junior Wallabies squad member James Hendren.
Meanwhile, former Wallaby James O’Connor is the big signing for the most successful team in Super Rugby history.
They have also recruited NPC winning halfback Kyle Preston as they look to celebrate their final season at Apollo Projects Stadium with a title.
Crusaders
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
NSW Waratahs
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
8:00 am – Brumbies and Hurricanes squads
As expected, the ACT Brumbies have kept with tradition and elevated players from within.
Lachlan Hooper joins brother Tom in the main squad for the first time, missing the Australia U20s campaign with injury Super Rugby U19s title-winning captain Shane Wilcox is amongst several Brumbies on their first professional contract alongside Hooper, Kadin Pritchard and Tevita Alatini.
In terms of fresh faces, Wallaby squad member David Feliuai adds class to the midfield as Tuaina Tualima bolsters their forward pack.
Meanwhile, former Moana Pasifika scrumhalf Ereatara Enari, Crusaders young half Riley Hohepa and lock Will Tucker have been revealed by the Hurricanes as new signings
Zach Gallagher (Crusaders) and Kade Banks (Blues) are amongst the transfers already announced, with Banks lighting up NPC with ten tries in nine games alongside Wellington standout Tjay Clarke.
Brumbies
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
Hurricanes
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
7:30 am – Welcome
Welcome to Rugby.com.au’s coverage of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific squads reveal.
The format will see two teams reveal their squads at the top of the hour, starting with the ACT Brumbies and Hurricanes at 8:00 am (AEDT).
Here is how the full day will pan out:
- 8:00 am: Hurricanes & Brumbies
- 9:00 am: Crusaders & Waratahs
- 10:00 am: Chiefs & Reds
- 11:00 am: Moana Pasifika & Fijian Drua
- 12:00 pm: Highlanders & Force
- 1:00 pm: Blues
