DHL Super Rugby Pacific Squads Announced for Milestone 30th Season
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As DHL super Rugby Pacific prepares to celebrate 30 years, all 11 clubs have announced their squads for the 2026 season.
Fan favourites will take the field once again, while a new generation of stars will emerge on the DHL Super Rugby Pacific stage.
DHL Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says the 2026 season is shaping up to be a special one.
“After a fantastic 2025 season, where the standard of rugby and the connection with fans reached new heights, celebrating 30 years of Super Rugby is about more than reminiscing. It’s a chance to recognise how players, clubs, and fans have all built this competition into the most exciting club rugby competition in the world.
“The 2026 squads show the strength of DHL Super Rugby Pacific right now. It’s great to see young players stepping up alongside established stars, and the competition between teams is tighter than ever. it’s an exciting place for our competition to be as we head into a milestone season.”
ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies have welcomed Wallaby and former NSW Waratah Tane Edmed to their squad,joining a number of electric backs including the likes of Corey Toole,andy Muirhead,and Tom Wright. Stephen Larkham has made an exciting pick-up in young midfielder Jarrah Mcleod, who impressed for the Frist Nations & Pasifika XV in their game against the British and Irish Lions this year. Outside back Shane Wilcox starred for the Australian Under 20s in both the U20 Rugby Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship in 2025 and will be looking to make his mark in DHL Super Rugby Pacific in 2026.
Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Lington Ieli, Tevita Alatini, Rhys Van Nek
Hookers: Billy Pollard, Chris Mickelson, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Bowron
Locks: Cadeyrn neville, Harvey Cordukes, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost
back Row: Toby Macpherson, Charlie Cale, Eli Langi, Luke Reimer, rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima
Halfbacks: dan Nelson, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan
Flyhalves: Declan Meredith, Joe Dillon, Tane Edmed
Midfield: Austin Anderson, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Jarrah McLeod, Kadin Pritchard
Outside Backs: Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kye Oates, Ollie Sapsford, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright
Blues
The Blues have named a 38-player squad with a strong mix of homegrown young talent and returning stars. Midfielder Pita Ahki rejoins the club after several triumphant years in Europe, with Rieko Ioane on sabbatical in Ireland. Head Coach Vern Cotter will welcome the return of veteran All black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, the Auckland-based team’s second most capped player who sat out the 2025 season with a neck injury. Bradley Slater has been enticed up State Highway 1,with the former Chiefs hooker bringing experience to a powerful front row group.
Props: Ben Ake, Flyn Yates, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Hookers: Bradley Slater, James Mullan, Kurt Eklund
Locks: josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam darry, Tristyn Cook
Loose Forwards: Blake Gibson, Caleb Luafalealo, Dalton Papali’i, Harry Plummer, Luke Romano, Matthew Hicks, Tom Robinson.
Halfbacks: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jonathan Ruru, Sam Nock, taufa Funaki
Flyhalves: Stephen Perofeta, Harry Halkyard
Midfield: Billy Harmon, Corey Evans, levi Aumua, Pita Ahki, Roger tuivasa-Sheck
Outside Backs: AJ Va’a, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan.
Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Squad Lists for Highlanders, Fijian Drua & Hurricanes
Highlanders
The Highlanders are bolstering their ranks for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with a notable international addition in 86-test Argentine lock Tomas lavanini coming to the deep south following a five-year stint in France’s Top 14. Closer to home,the Highlanders have recruited two stars of the 2025 New Zealand Under-20s team in Stanley Solomon and Dylan Pledger. with speedsters Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens already on the books,the arrival of New Zealand Sevens stars Andrew Knewstubb and Xavier Tito-Harris will bring some extra pace to the Highlanders backline for 2026.
Props: Angus Ta’avao,Daniel Lienert-brown,Ethan de Groot,Josh Bartlett,Saula Ma’u,Sosefo Kautai
Hookers: Henry Bell,jack Taylor,Soane Vikena
Locks: Fabian Holland,Mitch Dunshea,Tai Cribb,Tomas Lavanini,Will Stodart
Loose Forwards: Hugh Renton,Nikora Broughton,Oliver Haig,Sean Withy,Te Kamaka Howden,Veveni Lasaqa
Halfbacks: Adam Lennox,dylan Pledger,Folau Fakatava
First Fives: Andrew Knewstubb,Cameron Millar,Taine Robinson
Midfield: Jake Te Hiwi,Josh Whaanga,Reesjan Pasitoa,Tanielu Tele’a,Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside Backs: Caleb Tangitau,Finn Hurley,Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens,Jona Nareki,Jonah Lowe,Stanley solomon,Xavier Tito-Harris
Fijian Drua
Head Coach Glen Jackson has welcomed four advancement players into the Fijian Drua core squad for the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. These players are hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua, midfielder Maika Tuitubou, and outside backs Isikeli Basiyalo and Aisea Nawai. Former Force player Issak Fines-Leleiwasa adds impressive depth at halfback for the Drua, while Suva born winger Manasa Mataele will add his 58 caps worth of DHL Super Rugby Pacific experience to a young and exciting backline that includes fan favourites Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Ponipate Loganimasi.
Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravi, Samuela Tawake
Hookers: Kavaia tagivetaua, Mesu Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Angelo Smith, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Vilive Miramira
Back Row: Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Joe Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray
Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli
Flyhalves: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Kemu Valetini
Midfield: Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Namoce, Joji Nasova, Maika Tuitubou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Outside Backs: Aisea Nawai, Epeli Momo, Ilaisa Droasese, Isikeli Basiyalo, Manasa Mataele, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes kicked off the excitement for the 2026 season when they announced the signing of Japan international Warner Dearns in June. The Wellington born star will join Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Hugo Plummer and Tom allen in the locking department.
2026 Rugby squad Updates: Waratahs & Reds
NSW Waratahs Squad Breakdown
The NSW Waratahs have announced their squad for the 2026 season, showcasing a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. Here’s a detailed look at the team composition:
Forwards
- Hookers: Ethan Dobbins, Folau Fainga’a, Ioane Moananu
- Locks: Angus Blyth, Ben Grant, Eamon Doyle, Matt Philip, Miles Amatosero
- Back Row: austin Durbidge, Charlie Gamble, Jamie Adamson, Lachlan Hooper, Leafi Talataina, Pete Samu
Backs
- Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Michael McDonald, Teddy Wilson
- Flyhalves: Jack Bowen, Jack Debreczeni, Lawson Creighton
- Midfield: george Poolman, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
- Outside Backs: Andrew Kellaway, Archie Saunders, Harry Potter, James Hendren, Leo Jaques, Max Jorgensen, Sid Harvey, Triston Reilly
The Waratahs’ forward pack appears strong, with a good mix of physicality and experience. The backline boasts exciting talent, particularly with the inclusion of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the midfield, promising dynamic attacking plays.
Queensland reds Squad Additions
The Queensland Reds are also making important moves to strengthen their team for the 2026 season. Their focus is on bolstering playmaking capabilities and adding international experience.
Key Signings
The Reds have secured the return of Fijian international Ben Volavola, a seasoned playmaker who previously played in Australian rugby before a successful stint in Europe.He will join forces with Carter Gordon, creating a potent fly-half pairing.
Volavola’s experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Reds, providing a calming influence and creative spark in the playmaking role.
Strategic Implications
The addition of volavola addresses a key need for the Reds – a reliable and experienced playmaker. His return,alongside the continued development of Carter Gordon,positions the Reds to challenge in the upcoming season.
Comparison: Waratahs vs. Reds Squad Strategies
Both the Waratahs and the Reds are employing distinct strategies in their squad building for 2026.
| Team | Squad Strategy | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Waratahs | Blending Experience & Emerging Talent | Developing a well-rounded squad with potential stars. |
| Queensland Reds | Playmaking Reinforcement | Securing experienced playmakers to elevate attacking prowess. |
Key Takeaways
- The Waratahs are building a squad with a strong foundation and exciting young players.
- The Reds are prioritizing playmaking experience with the signing of Ben Volavola.
- Both teams are actively strengthening their rosters to compete effectively in the 2026 season.
The 2026 season promises to be an exciting one for Australian rugby fans, with both the Waratahs and the Reds poised to deliver compelling performances. The strategic squad building undertaken by both franchises suggests a commitment to long-term success and a desire to challenge for championship honors. Further developments in player signings and coaching strategies will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape as the season approaches.