CRUSADERS
2023: Champions
Gains: Jamie Hannah (Canterbury) Leigh Halfpenny (Welsh international), Ryan Crotty (Japan), Levi Aumua (Moana Pasifika), Tahlor Cahill (Canterbury), Jone Rova (Canterbury), Heremaia Murray (Northland), Ioane Moananu (Counties Manukau)
Losses: Richie Mo'unga, Sam Whitelock, Jack Goodhue, Sioni Havili Talitui and Leicester Fainga'anuku.
Biggest challenge: Life without coach Scott Robertson. How much impact will his absence have on the perennial contenders?
Season-opener: Final rematch v Chiefs, February 23
Rob Penney is confident in his first squad as Crusaders head coach, as his team enters a transitional phase after the loss of some key veterans, including Richie Mo'unga, Sam Whitelock, and his predecessor Scott Robertson.
"Those men were huge contributors for the Crusaders, many have been for a number of years, and we were sad to see them go," said Penney. "Their on-field experience was world-leading and their off-field leadership was important.
"A big part of our mentality is about 'next man up', and that really is the case for this coming season. There is a huge opportunity for guys to make their mark on this team and on this competition.
"We embrace challenge and cherish pressure – these things make us stronger."
The Crusaders have left one spot free on the roster which will likely be filled by a prop, after Irish veteran Oli Jager requested a release from his contract.
All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor has been afforded an extended leave of absence for rest purposes and won't join the squad until the two or three weeks before the playoffs begin.
WESTERN FORCE
QUEENSLAND REDS
BLUES
2:30pm
New coach Vern Cotter says he's eager to see what his new crop of youth can add to the core of veteran experience in his squad for the next Super Rugby Pacific season.
There are five fresh faces in the forwards and four in the backs, while the rest of the 38-strong group is comprised of some familiar names.
"Nothing beats the start of a new season," said Cotter. "I'm looking forward to getting the guys in and taking a look under the hood. We've done plenty of planning and preparation in the background and now we're ready to rip into it on the grass.
"We've got a wealth of Super Rugby experience in this squad, players who have been there and done the business for several seasons.
"I'm excited for what 2024 holds and if we can get on the same page as a collective, we should be competing at the pointy end of the season."
NZ U20s star Josh Beehre, former Chief Laghlan McWhannell, ex-Highlander PJ Sheck and Waikato's James Thompson are among the rookies upfront, while Angus Ta'avao also returns to the Blues after stints at the Waratahs and Chiefs.
In the backs, North Harbour's Kade Banks, Bay of Plenty's Lucas Cashmore, Glasgow Warriors' Cole Forbes and Taranaki's Meihana Grindlay make up a quartet of new additions.
Squad:
Forwards: Josh Beehre (Auckland, 0), Adrian Choat (Auckland, 32), Sam Darry (Canterbury, 23), Kurt Eklund (BOP, 51), Joshua Fusitu’a (Auckland, 6) Akira Ioane (Auckland, 106), Jordan Lay (Auckland, 20), Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato, 0), Dalton Papali’i (Counties Manakau, 68), Marcel Renata (Auckland, 38), Ricky Riccitelli (Taranaki, 24), Rob Rush (Northland, 1), Anton Segner (Tasman, 16), PJ Sheck (Wellington, 0), Hoskins Sotutu (Counties Manakau, 50), Cameron Suafoa (North Harbour, 18), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland, 49), James Thompson (Counties Manakau, 0), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland, 99), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Northland, 136), Soane Vikena (Auckland, 18)
Backs: Kade Banks (North Harbour, 0), Lucas Cashmore (BOP, 0), Finlay Christie (Tasman, 45), Caleb Clarke (Auckland, 49), Corey Evans (Auckland, 6), Cole Forbes (BOP, 0), Taufa Funaki (Auckland, 13), Meihana Grindlay (Taranaki, 0), Bryce Heem (Auckland, 33), Rieko Ioane (Auckland, 101), AJ Lam (Auckland, 29), Sam Nock (Northland, 63), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki, 57), Harry Plummer (Auckland, 58), Zarn Sullivan (Auckland, 32), Caleb Tangitau (Auckland, 1), Mark Tele'a (North Harbour, 52)
2023: Third, lost to Crusaders in semi-finals
Gains: Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, PJ Sheck, James Thompson, Kade Banks, Lucas Cashmore, Cole Forbes and Meihana Grindlay
Losses: Beauden Barrett, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Alex Hodgman
Biggest challenge: Integrating youth, adapting to life after Beauden under a new coaching lineup
Player to watch: Stephen Perofeta as the team's new pivot. Can he return to the form that earned him a test call-up?
Season-opener: v Fijian Drua, February 24
MELBOURNE REBELS
BRUMBIES
NSW WARATAHS
12:08pm
Under new coach Tana Umaga, Moana Pasifika have done a massive squad reset, with more than half their players new to the franchise. Nineteen attended the Rugby World Cup for their respective nations and 11 are making their Super Rugby debuts.
Former Wallabies Sekope Kepu and Christian Lealiifano, while a notable addition is former All Blacks wing Julian Savea.
"The talent in our Pasifika community is aplenty and it certainly was a tough task selecting this team, but I am confident that we have a strong mix of youth and experience to complement the brand of rugby we want to play," said Umaga.
"The development of the team in a highly competitive Super Rugby Pacific competition will be testing, but I look forward to the hard work ahead of us."
11:50am MOANA PASIFIKA
Squad
Forwards: Suetena Asomua (Samoa), Donald Brighouse (Samoa), Miracle Faiilagi (Samoa), Solomone Funaki (Tonga), Sione Havili Talitui (Tonga), Lotu Inisi (Samoa), Sekope Kepu (Tonga), Sateki Latu (Tonga), James Lay (Samoa), Tomasi Maka (Tonga), Sama Malolo (Samoa), Samiuela Moli (Tonga), Alamanda Motuga (Samoa), Viliame Napa’a (Tonga), Semisi Paea (Tonga), Abraham Pole (Tonga), Tom Savage (England), Samuel Slade (Samoa), Ola Tauelangi, Ofa Tauetavalu (Tonga)
Backs: Nigel Ah Wong (Samoa), Ereatara Enari (Samoa), Viliame Fine (Tonga), Neria Fomai (Samoa), Aisea Halo (Tonga), William Havili (Tonga), Fine Inisi (Tonga & Samoa), Lalomilo Lalomilo (Samoa), Christian Lealiifano (Samoa), D’angelo Leuila (Samoa), Otumaka Mausia (Tonga), Pepesana Patafilo (Samoa), Julian Savea (Samoa), Henry Taefu (Samoa), Jonathan Taumateine (Samoa), Danny Toala (Samoa), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Tonga)
11:23am
"We have had a few changes in our squad and our coaching group, so it will be great to get everyone together and start building some cohesion through the pre-season," said Highlanders coach Clark Dermody. "We will just about have our whole squad together from day one, which is a nice opportunity for us.
"I am also pleased to see some of the younger players that we have invested in over the last few years start to come through to Super Rugby level. I am sure their individual enthusiasm will be infectious for the squad."
One key off-field addition is the return of former All Black and championship-winning Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph from his stint in charge of the Japan national team. He will take up a director of rugby role, but that usually means he will be pulling strings behind the scenes.
Another notable returnee is Argentine wing/fullback Martín Bogado from last year's roster.
11am HIGHLANDERS
2023: Ninth, missed playoffs
Squad
Forwards: Jermaine Ainsley (Otago), Henry Bell (Otago), Nikora Broughton (Bay of Plenty), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury), Mitchell Dunshea (Canterbury), Ethan De Groot (Southland), Oliver Haig (Otago), Billy Harmon (Canterbury), Max Hicks (Tasman), Fabian Holland (Otago), Luca Inch (Tasman), Ricky Jackson (Otago), Ayden Johnstone (Waikato), Saula Ma’u (Otago), Hayden Michaels (Southland), Pari Pari Parkinson (Tasman), Hugh Renton (Tasman), Tom Sanders (Otago), Jack Taylor (Southland), Will Tucker (Otago), Sean Withy (Otago)
Backs: James Arscott (Otago), Connor Garden-Bachop (Wellington), Martín Bogado (Argentina), Folau Fakatava (Hawkes Bay), Ajay Faleafaga (Otago), Sam Gilbert (Otago), Nathan Hastie (Otago), Jacob Ratumaituvuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki), Jonah Lowe (Hawkes Bay), Cameron Millar (Otago), Jona Nareki (Otago), Rhys Patchell (Wales), Jake Te Hiwi (Otago), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Tasman), Tanielu Tele'a (Auckland), Josh Timu (Otago), Matt Whaanga (Southland)
Gains: Timoci Tavatavanawai (Moana Pasifika), Jacob Ratumaituvuki-Kneepkens (Blues), Tanielu Tele'a (Blues), Rhys Patchell (Wales), Tom Sanders (Japan), Mitch Dunshea (Crusaders)
Former Welsh international Patchell (22 tests) will be a key addition at first-five, taking over from Englishman Freddie Burns and Mitch Hunt in the No.10 jersey.
Losses: Aaron Smith (Japan), Shannon Frizzell (Japan), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (injury), Mitch Hunt, Freddie Burns, James Lentjes, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
Biggest challenge: Making the playoffs
The Highlanders could not reach the post-season this year with Smith and Frizzell on board. Now they're gone, the southerners have just one currently All Black on their roster, prop Ethan de Groot.
Player to watch: Folau Fakatava
Understudy to Smith at halfback and heralded as the next All Blacks halfback, Fakatava has been hampered by injury and, to some extent, lack of opportunities in a logjam for the No.9 jersey. He showed glimpses for the 'Landers last season, but now he's the man.
Season-opener: v Moana Pasifika, February 24
10:30am
Fijian Drua feature 18 Fijian internationals returning from their World Cup quarter-final performance in France, as well as five newcomers.
Among those not returning is first-five Teti Tela, who made 24 appearances over their first two Super Rugby seasons and stands as the franchises's top scorer with 124 points.
"We have selected a squad that we believe can compete in one of the world's toughest club rugby competitions," said coach Mick Byrne. "We will be out to make an even bigger impact in 2024, so it's fantastic for us to play a record seven games in front of our passionate fans.
"The seven teams coming over next season will definitely notice that.”
"There will be some great competition for spots in the matchday 23 and, as coaches, we are looking to the selection headaches this will create."
10:27am FIJIAN DRUA
Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto , Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama
Props: Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Livai Natave, Samuela Tawake, Emosi Tuqiri, Meli Tuni
Locks: Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Etonia Waqa
Loose forwards: Elia Canakaivata, Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Kitione Salawa
Halfbacks: Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu
First-fives: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Caleb Muntz, Isikeli Rabitu, Kemu Valetini
Midfield: Iosefo Masi, Waqa Nalaga, Michael Naitokani, Apisalome Vota
Outside backs: Ilaisa Droasese, Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Selestino Ravutaumada, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
10:13am
"It’s a newlook squad for us, but despite the changes, there remains a lot of continuity within this group," said Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan. "They are familiar with our environment, know how we do things and bring a lot to the table.
"Despite losing some experienced players, we have spent the last couple of years building the depth of our squad in anticipation for these departures. We have a lot of belief in the men we have selected and are looking forward with anticipation to seeing them take their opportunity in the new year."
McMillan hasn't named a captain and says he will give his issue consideration over the summer.
10am CHIEFS
2023: Beaten finalists
Squad
Sione Ahio (Auckland), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty), Kaylum Boshier (Taranaki), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Waikato), George Dyer (Waikato), Samipeni Finau (Waikato), Tom Florence (Taranaki), Josh Ioane (Waikato), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Kauvaka Kaivelata (Counties Manukau), Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato), Josh Lord (Taranaki), Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau), Emoni Narawa (Bay of Plenty), Ollie Norris (Waikato), Reuben O'Neill (Taranaki), Simon Parker (Waikato), Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury), Jared Proffit (Taranaki), Cortez Ratima (Waikato), Xavier Roe (Waikato), Daniel Rona (Taranaki), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Bay of Plenty), Wallace Sititi (North Harbour), Bradley Slater (Taranaki), Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay of Plenty), Samisoni Taukei'aho (Waikato), Tyrone Thompson (Hawkes Bay), Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato), Jimmy Tupou (Counties Manukau), Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki), Gideon Wrampling (Waikato), Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Waikato)
Key gains: Jimmy Tupou (Japan), Kaleb Trask (Japan), Reuben O'Neill (Crusaders), Quinn Tupaea (injury)
Although he was on last season's roster, midfielder Tupaea was unable to take the field, as he rehabbed the knee injury suffered for the All Blacks against Australia last year. He showed encouraging NPC form and will make up a formidable centre pairing with fellow international pairing Anton Lienert-Brown.
Key losses: Co-captains Sam Cane & Brad Weber, Brodie Retallick, Pita Gus Sowakula, Alex Nankivell
Rookies: Sione Ahio, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Wallace Sititi, Malachi Wrampling-Alec
Biggest challenge: Leadership
Losing both co-captains Cane and Weber, plus Retallick, leaves something of a vacuum, with inside backs Lienert-Brown (106) and Damian McKenzie (111) providing the most experience. Kaylum Boshier led Taranaki to an NPC crown, but must command a starting position among the loose forwards.
On the positive side, the Chiefs are one of the few NZ franchises not dealing with a new coaching hierachy, with Clayton McMillan firmly entrenched as the man in charge.
Player to watch: Damian McKenzie
This seems pretty obvious, given he was arguably last season's MVP, but the stakes have been ramped up, with the departure of All Blacks teammates Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett offshore. McKenzie is now the heir apparent to the NZ No.10 jersey and must take his game to another level to ease concerns over that position.
Can Shaun Stevenson build on his 2023 form to force his way into the national team under new coach Scott Robertson?
Season-opener: Final rematch v Crusaders, February 23
*****
Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific squads, which will be named throughout the day by all franchises, across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.
This is a big day for the teams, as the full effect of offshore contracts, injuries and recruitment efforts become apparent.
Many of the really big announcements have already been made, even this week, with All Blacks captain Sam Cane taking a sabbatical in Japan and prop Angus Ta'avao moving back to the Blues after nine years as a Super Rugby nomad.
The Crusaders have already announced they have signed Wales icon Leigh Halfpenny to bolster their backline stocks and overnight, they also revealed international midfielder Braydon Ennor will miss the season with his ongoing knee issues.
With seven-time champion Crusaders coach Scott Robertson elevated to the All Blacks job, he has plundered the coaching staffs of other franchises, taking Blues counterpart Leon MacDonald, Hurricanes rival Jason Holland and Crusaders assistant Scott Hansen with him.
Obviously, those franchises have had to find replacements in their top jobs.
Throughout the day, we'll announce the full squads, with some analysis of the big changes - losses and gains - and who to watch over the coming season.
Here's the timetable for squad announcements:
10am Chiefs & Fijian Drua
11am Highlanders & Melbourne Rebels
noon Moana Pasifika & NSW Waratahs
1pm Hurricanes & ACT Brumbies
2pm Blues & Queensland Reds
3pm Crusaders & Western Force
Former All Blacks prop Ta'avao returns from spinal injury with Blues for Super Rugby Pacific
Former All Blacks prop Angus Ta'avao will continue his miraculous recovery from spinal injury to rejoin the Blues for next year's Super Rugby Pacific.
The versatile front-rower was been something of a Super Rugby nomad, with stints at the Blues (2012-15), NSW Waratahs (2016-17) and the Chiefs (2018-22) on his resume, but that career seemed to be over, when he was stretchered off North Harbour Stadium during an NPC quarter-final last October.
"That was possibly the scariest moment of my life," he told Stuff. "I went numb from the neck down, I couldn't move for what felt like a long time, but probably was more like a minute.
"It was the scariest, craziest feeling of looking down and being, like, 'Whose arms are those? and seeing my tattoos on my forearm, and then realising they’re mine, I can't move."
After several months of rehabilitation - and even heart surgery - Ta'avao was able to return to the field for Auckland during this year's national championship and will take his next step back with the Blues franchise, where his next appearance will be his 50th.
"I'm stoked to be back with the Blues," he said. "Auckland is my home, my family is here and I'm excited to come back to where it all started for me as a professional rugby player.
"Funnily enough, when I was choosing my training jersey number, I just added my two kids' birthdays together and it spat out the number 49. Clearly, it's a number with meaning for 2024."
Ta'avao, 33, has 135 Super Rugby matches under his belt, along with 23 tests for the All Blacks. His last appearance for the national team was the infamous defeat to Ireland at Dunedin last year, when he was heavily concussed in a head clash and received a red card, as he was led off the field.
His arrival at the Blues is timely, with NZ international Nepo Laulala heading to France and Manu Samoa prop James Lay moving to Moana Pasifika.
"I know I can add to the environment and culture at the Blues, and want to share my experiences with the younger players," said Ta'avao. "Coming in as a rookie and hearing from experienced players really helped me, so that's something I want to give back to the club."
