"Super Rugby Squads 2026" featuring dynamic players from Waratahs, Reds, Crusaders, and Blues on the left, and bold "2026 SQUADS" typography with club logos on the right.

Get your notepad ready! The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season is just around the corner, and this year’s player market has delivered plenty of fireworks. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan who wants to memorise every squad before kick‑off or just curious about where your favourite Wallaby landed, you’ve come to the right place. From blockbuster signings to the next generation of academy stars, we’ve got all the confirmed rosters and official transfers in one spot. Buckle up – the list is a beauty.

2026 Super Rugby Transfers: Key Player Movements

The 2026 transfer window didn’t disappoint. There were marquee moves across the Tasman, emotional homecomings, and young guns swapping jerseys to chase more game time. Here are the 10 deals that will shape the new season:

Super Rugby 2026 – Key Player Moves
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Joseph Suaalii
NSW Waratahs
The former NRL star makes the switch to rugby union as the Waratahs’ headline recruit.
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Taniela Tupou
Western Force
“Tongan Thor” heads west – a massive statement from the Perth franchise.
Richie Mo’unga
Crusaders
After a stint in Japan, the wizard returns to Christchurch. The competition just got a whole lot tougher.
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Jordie Barrett
Hurricanes
The All Blacks fullback comes back from Ireland. Pure class and leadership for the capital.
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Carter Gordon
Queensland Reds
Following a short European detour, the creative playmaker lands in Brisbane ready to fire.
Rob Valetini
ACT Brumbies
The Wallabies No. 8 turned down big overseas offers to stay the engine room of the Brumbies.
Caleb Clarke
Blues
One of the most feared wings in the Pacific re‑commits to Auckland. Speed and power – locked in.
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Fergus Burke
Western Force
The former Crusaders fly‑half crosses the ditch to steer the Force’s attack.
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Lucas Ripley
Fijian Drua
A Kiwi‑schooled young fullback who chose Fiji to unleash his potential. One to watch.
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Ardie Savea
Moana Pasifika
The legend continues. Savea leads Moana Pasifika for a second year in the competition’s most inspiring project.

Already know who’s in your team? Now check when they play next with our Super Rugby 2026 Schedule.

📅 View Full Schedule

Confirmed Squads for Australian Franchises

With an eye on the Wallabies and the next Rugby Championship, the Australian franchises have assembled their armies. Here’s who’s suiting up where. Bold names are new signings or promoted players for the 2026 season.

The Brumbies are banking on continuity with a few key additions. Their forward pack remains one of the toughest in the competition.

ACT Brumbies – 2026 Squad Update
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ACT Brumbies

2026 Squad Update · Player Status
Player Name Position Status
Rob Valetini Back Row New (Re‑signed)
Allan Alaalatoa Prop Returning
Tom Wright Fullback Returning
Lachlan Lonergan Hooker New (Re‑signed)
Len Ikitau Centre Returning
Billy Pollard Hooker New (Promoted)
Ryan Lonergan Scrum‑half Returning
Nick Frost Lock Returning

The Reds have splashed the cash to bolster their backline. Expect fireworks at Suncorp.

Queensland Reds – 2026 Squad Update
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Queensland Reds

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The Reds have splashed the cash to bolster their backline. Expect fireworks at Suncorp.
Player Name Position Status
Carter Gordon Fly‑half New Signing
Harry Wilson Back Row Returning
Fraser McReight Flanker Returning
Josh Flook Centre New (Re‑signed)
Jordan Petaia Wing Returning
Matt Faessler Hooker New (Promoted)
Tate McDermott Scrum‑half Returning
Zane Nonggorr Prop Returning

Sydney’s glamour franchise has undergone a major refresh, built on physicality and attacking flair.

NSW Waratahs – 2026 Squad Update
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NSW Waratahs

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The Waratahs have secured their young core with key re‑signings and the blockbuster arrival of Joseph Suaalii. A new era begins in Sydney.
Player Name Position Status
Joseph Suaalii Centre / Wing New Signing
Langi Gleeson Back Row New (Re‑signed)
Jake Gordon Scrum‑half Returning
Tane Edmed Fly‑half New (Re‑signed)
Max Jorgensen Fullback Returning
Angus Bell Prop New (Re‑signed)
Dylan Pietsch Wing Returning
Hugh Sinclair Lock Returning

The Force have been the busiest of all. With big names arriving in Perth, they’re aiming to break into the finals.

Western Force – 2026 Squad Update
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Western Force

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The Force have strengthened their spine with major signings. Taniela Tupou and Fergus Burke headline a refreshed squad ready to make an impact in Perth.
Player Name Position Status
Taniela Tupou Prop New Signing
Fergus Burke Fly‑half New Signing
Nic White Scrum‑half Returning
Ben Donaldson Fullback New (Re‑signed)
Izack Rodda Lock Returning
Tom Horton Hooker New Signing
Michael Wells Back Row Returning
Hamish Stewart Centre Returning

New Zealand & Pacific Franchises Rosters

Across the ditch, the Kiwi heavyweights and the Pacific powerhouses have also been busy reloading. Everyone’s chasing the crown.

The defending champions (or strong contenders) have kept their core together. Their backline speed remains a nightmare for any defence.

Blues – 2026 Squad Update
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Blues

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The Blues lock in their core with Caleb Clarke, Hoskins Sotutu and Finlay Christie re‑signing, alongside returning All Blacks Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane.
Player Name Position Status
Caleb Clarke Wing New (Re‑signed)
Beauden Barrett Fly‑half Returning
Hoskins Sotutu Back Row New (Re‑signed)
Rieko Ioane Centre Returning
Finlay Christie Scrum‑half New (Re‑signed)
Patrick Tuipulotu Lock Returning
Ofa Tu’ungafasi Prop Returning
Stephen Perofeta Fullback Returning

The Red & Black bring back their prodigal son. With Mo’unga calling the shots, the Crusaders are once again the team to beat.

Crusaders – 2026 Squad Update
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Crusaders

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The prodigal son returns. Richie Mo’unga headlines a powerful Crusaders squad, with Scott Barrett, Will Jordan and a host of retained champions ready to defend their legacy.
Player Name Position Status
Richie Mo’unga Fly‑half New Signing
Scott Barrett Lock Returning
Ethan Blackadder Flanker New (Re‑signed)
Will Jordan Fullback Returning
Codie Taylor Hooker New (Re‑signed)
Tamaiti Williams Prop Returning
David Havili Centre Returning
Noah Hotham Scrum‑half New (Promoted)

The Chiefs continue to rely on their powerful forward pack and the magic of their young playmakers.

Chiefs – 2026 Squad Update
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Chiefs

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
Experience meets emerging talent. Damian McKenzie returns, Sam Cane re‑commits, and French playmaker Jalibert adds international flair to an already stacked roster.
Player Name Position Status
Damian McKenzie Fly‑half Returning
Sam Cane Flanker New (Re‑signed)
Etene Nanai‑Seturo Wing New (Re‑signed)
Tupou Vaa’i Lock Returning
Cortez Ratima Scrum‑half New (Promoted)
Luke Jacobson Back Row Returning
Jalibert (Moke) Centre New Signing
Brodie Retallick Lock Returning

The capital welcomes back its hero. The Barrett brothers will form the backbone of a side that always plays on the edge.

Hurricanes – 2026 Squad Update
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Hurricanes

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The Hurricanes bring back a superstar. Jordie Barrett returns from Ireland, joining a core of re‑signed All Blacks like Tyrel Lomax, Cam Roigard and Asafo Aumua.
Player Name Position Status
Jordie Barrett Fullback New Signing
Tyrel Lomax Prop New (Re‑signed)
Cam Roigard Scrum‑half New (Re‑signed)
Billy Proctor Centre Returning
Asafo Aumua Hooker New (Re‑signed)
Peter Lakai Back Row Returning
Julian Savea Wing Returning
Riley Higgins Centre Returning

The southerners are blending youth with experienced heads who’ve spent time in the northern hemisphere.

Highlanders – 2026 Squad Update
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Highlanders

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
New energy in the deep south. Sam Gilbert arrives from the Hurricanes, while Folau Fakatava and Billy Harmon commit long‑term. A fresh mix of experience and emerging talent.
Player Name Position Status
Folau Fakatava Scrum‑half New (Re‑signed)
Billy Harmon Flanker New (Re‑signed)
Ethan de Groot Prop Returning
Sam Gilbert Fly‑half New Signing
Jacob Ratumaitavuki‑Kneepkens Wing New (Promoted)
Mitch Dunshea Lock Returning
Nikora Broughton Back Row New Signing
Connor Garden‑Bachop Fly‑half Returning

The spirit of the Pacific is alive and well. The Drua have added raw power alongside a new wave of local talent.

He creado la tabla de la plantilla de los Fijian Drua con el mismo estilo moderno, destacando las nuevas incorporaciones y las renovaciones clave. “`html Fijian Drua – 2026 Squad Update
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Fijian Drua

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
Island talent locked in. Lucas Ripley arrives as a major signing, while Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz and Iosefo Masi recommit. The Drua continue to build a formidable Pacific force.
Player Name Position Status
Lucas Ripley Fullback New Signing
Frank Lomani Scrum‑half New (Re‑signed)
Kitione Salawa Flanker New (Promoted)
Tevita Ikanivere Hooker Returning
Caleb Muntz Fly‑half New (Re‑signed)
Mesake Doge Prop Returning
Iosefo Masi Centre New (Re‑signed)
Etonia Waqa Lock Returning
“`

Led by their superstar captain, Moana Pasifika continue to prove they’re far more than a feel‑good story.

Moana Pasifika – 2026 Squad Update
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Moana Pasifika

2026 Squad · Super Rugby Pacific
The Pasifika project gains firepower. The Savea brothers reunite, Leicester Fainga’anuku arrives from the Crusaders, and veteran Christian Leali’ifano adds leadership to a squad brimming with talent.
Player Name Position Status
Ardie Savea Back Row New (Re‑signed)
Julian Savea Wing New (Re‑signed)
Luteru Tolai Hooker New Signing
Christian Leali’ifano Fly‑half New (Re‑signed)
Leicester Fainga’anuku Wing New Signing
Sekope Kepu Prop Returning
Tomasi Alosio Centre New (Promoted)
Miracle Fai’ilagi Lock New Signing

What About the Jaguares in Super Rugby 2026?

Although the Argentine franchise hasn’t been a permanent fixture in Super Rugby Pacific for a few years, interest in Los Jaguares remains surprisingly strong. Australian fans often ask whether they’ll return to the competition.

As of now, there’s no official confirmation of a full‑time spot for 2026. However, rumours persist about possible involvement in development matches or a secondary competition involving regional sides. Meanwhile, several players with Jaguares backgrounds are scattered across Australian and New Zealand franchises, keeping the connection alive. We’ll update this guide as soon as any official news drops.

Super Rugby 2026 Eligibility and Development Players

Beyond the big names that take the field each weekend, the 2026 season brings fresh eligibility rules. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Rugby Australia has relaxed its rules to allow players contracted overseas to remain eligible for the Wallabies – provided they meet certain game‑time requirements at home.

At the same time, academy pathways are thriving. The Reds and Waratahs have promoted at least three players each from their development systems into full‑time squads, ensuring fresh blood enters the professional ranks. Keep an eye on names like Billy Pollard (Brumbies) and Noah Hotham (Crusaders) – they’re tipped to be this year’s breakout stars.

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