The 11 Super Rugby clubs are naming their squads on Tuesday with a staged release on both sides of the Tasman.
The demise of the Melbourne Rebels and the reduction of Australian Super Rugby Pacific teams to four has seen a considerable shakeup in the player stocks for the surviving clubs.
Schedule of team naming
8am: Hurricanes & Brumbies
9am: Crusaders & Waratahs
10am: Chiefs & Reds
11am: Moana Pasifika & Fijian Drua
12pm: Highlanders & Force
1pm: Blues
ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies have picked up two former Rebels in David Feliuai and Tuaina Taii Tualima but will look to bank on a stable squad. The biggest losses are forwards Darcy Swain to the Force and Jahrome Brown, who is expected to move home to the Chiefs.
Ins: Liam Bowron (promoted), David Feliuai (Rebels), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Rebels), Lachlan Hooper (promoted), Kadin Pritchard (promoted), Shane Wilcox (promoted), Tevita Alatini (promoted).
Outs: Darcy Swain (Force), Fred Kaihea, Connal McInerney, Ed Kennedy, Jahrome Brown, Tamati Tua (Exeter)
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
2025 squad
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.
NSW Waratahs
There has been a huge upheaval at Daceyville. Early attention will be on code-hopper Joseph Suaalii in his transition from the Roosters while the addition of Andrew Kellaway and Darby Lancaster from the Rebels should help ease the pain of losing Mark Nawaqanitawase to rugby league.
The influx of talented back-three and centre options has also meant several players have departed to make way – most recently two-Test Wallaby Dylan Pietsch, who has made the journey across the Nullarbor to sign a multi-year deal with the Western Force – a move that will likely prove mutually beneficial, giving the talented winger more game time while freeing up options for Dan McKellar.
They added three more ex-Rebels to the list along with three more players in a single day.
Prop Siosifa Amone and outside back Henry O’Donnell return home to NSW following stints with the Western Force, and are joined by former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith, hooker Ethan Dobbins and backrower Leafi Talataina.
Amone (13 games), O’Donnell (5 games), Smith (20 games) and Dobbins (6 games) all arrive with Super Rugby Pacific experience under their belts, while O’Donnell and Talataina represented the Junior Wallabies last year.
Meanwhile Australian-born lock Ben Grant is back on home soil after spending the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, preceded by two years with the San Diego Legion.
Joseph Suaalii is tackled. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Ins: Dan McKellar (coach, Leicester), Isaac Kailea (Rebels), Taniela Tupou (Rebels), Rob Leota (Rebels), Darby Lancaster (Rebels), Andrew Kellaway (Rebels), Joseph Suaalii (NRL), Ben Grant (Hurricanes), Angelo Smith (Rebels), Siosifa Amone (Force), Henry O’Donnell (Force), Ethan Dobbins (Rebels), Leafi Talataina (Rebels), Lawson Creighton (Reds), Ale Aho (West Harbour).
Outs: Darren Coleman (coach), Harry Johnson-Holmes (Force), Jed Holloway (MLR), Ned Hanigan (Provence), Will Harrison (Kintetsu), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh), Harry Wilson (Dragons RFC), Lachie Swinton (Bordeaux), Izaia Perese (Leicester), Dylan Pietsch (Force), Mark Nawaqanitawase (NRL), Tom Ross (Nice), Archer Holz (Scarlets), Theo Fourie, Vuate Kurawalevu
The Waratahs would like to farewell and thank one of our greats, #1601 Jed Holloway, for his incredible years of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the sky blue jersey. Your hard work, heart, and passion have left a lasting legacy at the club ???? pic.twitter.com/bbQExvpxLJ
— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) August 26, 2024
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, Jack Grant, 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
Queensland Reds
Club veteran James O’Connor has opted to leave for the Crusaders after five years with the club.
“These last five years a have been the highlight of my rugby career,” O’Connor said. “I’m so proud of where we have gotten to as a group. Although there’s been highs and lows the consistency, and just the love at this club, has been so incredible to be a part of.
“I’m departing Queensland a better player, leader and man, and I’m so grateful to have been able to play for this team, my home.
“The club couldn’t be in better hands. Les and the other coaches are easily the most cohesive group I have ever worked with and I’m thankful I got to be a part of it this year. I have no doubt that there’s a lot of success to come and I’ll be watching from abroad with deep gratitude. Thanks for everything Queensland. It’s been a dream come true.”
The Reds have given their side an injection of class while being able to keep happy their existing stars. They are shaping to give the competition a decent tilt under Kiss. One to watch is Jordan Petaia, who is yet to commit his future for next season.
They have signed Mason Gordon, Filipo Daugunu and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto from the Rebels did however lose flyhalf Lawson Creighton to the Tahs and Mac Grealy to the Force.
The club is also losing Taj Annan to the NRL’s Newcastle Knights and has released exciting back Floyd Aubrey.
Taj Annan of the Reds. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Ins: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Rebels), Filipo Daugunu (Rebels), Josh Canham (Rebels), Matt Gibbon (Rebels), Lachie Anderson (Rebels), Dre Pakeho (academy), Mason Gordon (Rebels).
Outs: Peni Ravai (Drua), Cormac Daly (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Connor Anderson (Chugoku Red Regulions), Lawson Creighton (Waratahs), Taj Annan (NRL), James O’Connor (Crusaders), Mac Grealy (Force), Floyd Aubrey (released).
2025 squad:
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
Welcome to the wingers circle, Dylan Pietsch ????
The Wallabies winger will join the Force after a strong 2024 SRP campaign with the NSW Waratahs, boasting four tries in 12 appearances ????⁰
Read more about his exciting signing to the Force ????https://t.co/uKA8CV63yB
— Western Force (@westernforce) September 14, 2024
Western Force
The Force recruitment department has been flat out with a significant changing of the guard.
Former Reds outside back Mac Grealy is the latest name on their list.
Grealy’s signing follows the recruitment of Wallabies Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Darcy Swain along with internationally capped hooker Nic Dolly, Divad Palu, Josh Thompson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Sio Tomkinson and Matt Proctor ahead of the 2025 season.
Tomkinson spent the past two seasons playing with Welsh club Dragons RFC in the United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Challenge Cup. Tomkinson scored six tries in his 24 appearances for the Dragons. Tomkinson also brings Super Rugby experience, having played 43 times for the Highlanders from 2017 to 2022, scoring 14 tries.
There will be a lot of interest in the performance of Dolly, who won a cap for England but is a possible future Wallaby, having come from down under.
They added one-game All Black Proctor to their backline stocks.
Proctor will join the Force after previous stints with the Melbourne Rebels (2024), Northampton Saints (2019-2023) and the Hurricanes (2013-2019) where he was part of their 2016 Super Rugby triumph.
The 31-year-old back played for the All Blacks in November 2018 against Japan, scoring on debut. He also notched 12 caps for the Maori All Blacks between 2013 and 2018.
The Force also promoted 2024 Rising Star winner Henry Robertson to a full Super Rugby contract with the club on a two-year deal. He will replace Ian Prior in the scrum half-stocks.
The 24-year-old half-back had joined the Force in 2023, getting game time in the Toyota Challenge against the Cheetahs, before playing two games on an injury cover contract in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Robertson previously played six Super Rugby games for the NSW Waratahs, having originally hailed from Shute Shield outfit Sydney University.
Nic Dolly (Photo by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Ins: Harry Johnson-Holmes (Waratahs), Josh Thompson (West Harbour), Vaiolini Ekuasi (Rebels), Divad Palu (Rebels), Nick Champion de Crespigny (Castres), Nic Dolly (Leicester), Darcy Swain (Brumbies), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Montpellier), Tom Robertson (Oxford), Matt Proctor (Rebels), Dylan Pietsch (Waratahs), Sio Tomkinson (Dragons), Henry Robertson, Mac Grealy (Reds).
Outs: Santiago Medrano (Vannes), Izack Rodda (Provence), Tim Anstee, Chase Tiatia (Japan), Ryan Coxon (Tasman Makos), Ben Funnell, Taqele Naiyaravoro (Narbonne), Ian Prior, Michael Wells (retired), Sam Spink (Saracens), Feleti Kaitu’u (France), Nikolai Foliaki, Siosifa Amone (Waratahs), Angus Wagner, Ollie Callan, Charlie Hancock
Blues
Beauden Barrett returns from a season in Japan and is joined by exciting flyhalf prospect Payton Spencer, the son of All Blacks great Carlos Spencer. Payton was previously contracted to the NZ Sevens program. The club has also signed a Sevens team mate of Spencer’s – Che Clark.
Ins: Beauden Barrett (Toyota Verblitz), Payton Spencer (Auckland), Che Clark (Sevens)
Outs: Soane Vikena (Highlanders), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders), Akira Ioane (Japan TBC), Rob Rush, Corey Evans,
Chiefs
Ins: Leroy Carter (NZ Sevens), Josh Jacomb (promoted)
Outs: Josh Ioane (Connacht)
2025 squad:
Forwards: Aidan Ross, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukei’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
Crusaders
In: Kershal Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor (Reds), Brayden Ennor, Johnny McNicholl, Aki Tuivailala.
Out: Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Brodie McAlister, Willie Heinz, Ryan Crotty, Heremaia Murray, Manasa Mataele, Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Fergus Burke (Saracens), Jone Rova (Canterbury), Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
2025 squad:
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
Fijian Drua
Ins: Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Peni Ravai (Reds), Joseva Tamani (Colomiers),
Outs:
2025 squad: TBC
Highlanders
Ins: Finn Hurley (promoted), Soane Vikena (Blues), Caleb Tangitau (Blues), Veveni Lasaqa (Hurricanes)
Outs: Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Pari Pari Parkinson (Green Rockets), Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Rhys Patchell (Green Rockets), Josh Timu (Otago), Martin Bodago (Oyonnax), Connor Garden-Bachop (deceased)
2025 squad:
Hurricanes
In: Tom Allen, Kade Banks, Lucas Cashmore, Tjay Clarke, Ereatara Enari, Fehi Fineanganofo, Zach Gallagher, Riley Hohepa, Arese Poliko, Will Tucker
Out: Jordie Barrett, Ben Grant, TK Howden, Richard Judd, Josh Moorby, Aidan Morgan, James O’Reilly, TJ Perenara, Salesi Rayasi, Justin Sangster, Ardie Savea, James Tucker
2025 squad:
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
Moana Pasifika
The big signing is the addition of All Blacks super star Ardie Savea who should give the team a massive boost. They also added former Rebels and Hurricanes flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop who arrives after a season in France.
Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili, who fell out of favour with the Rebels last season and was drafted into the Waratahs as an injury replacement, has signed a one-year deal.
Ins: Ardie Savea (Kobe Steelers), Melani Matavao (promoted), Tuna Tuitama (promoted), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry), Jackson Garden-Bachop (CA Brive), Pone Fa’amausili (Rebels)
Outs: Sekope Kepu (retired), Tevita Langi (North Harbour), Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Henry Taefu (Red Hurricanes), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers)
2025 squad:
The Rebels exits
Lachie Anderson (Reds), Josh Canham (Reds), Filipo Daugunu (Reds), Vaiolini Ekuasi (Force), Pone Fa’amausili (Moana Pasifika), David Feliaui (Brumbies), Matt Gibbon (Reds), Carter Gordon (NRL), Mason Gordon (Reds), Isaac Kailea (Waratahs), Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs), Josh Kemeny (Northampton), Darby Lancaster (Waratahs), Rob Leota (Waratahs), Ryan Louwrens (Montpellier), Alex Mafi (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jack Maunder (Agen), Divad Palu (Force), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds), Angelo Smith (Waratahs), Sam Talakai (Glasgow), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Brumbies), Taniela Tupou (Waratahs), Jordan Uelese (Montpellier), Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs), Leafi Talataina (Waratahs), Matt Proctor (Force), Brad Wilkin (San Diego).
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