The build-up to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Championships is underway, and all eyes are on the Pacific Powerhouses, the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, as both franchises unveil refreshed squads ahead of the competition's 30th anniversary season.

For the Drua, the focus is on depth and experience, while Moana Pasifika have gone bold with new signings, including the return of one of New Zealand rugby's most dynamic midfielders.

The Drua kick off the squad announcements with a lineup that features homegrown flair and seasoned international experience. Among their biggest signings is Temo Mayanavanua, the towering lock who returns to Fiji from England to boost the forward pack.

In the backs, Joji Nasova makes the leap from sevens to 15s after a breakout year with the country's national side, the Flying Fijians, while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa joins from the Western Force in Perth to add depth and creativity at halfback.

Drua head coach Mick Byrne has retained the core that took the Drua to their first finals appearance, including Frank Lomani, Ilaisa Droasese, and Kemu Valetini, with emerging talents like Philip Baselala and Taniela Rakuro continuing to push for game time.

"We've built something that represents Fiji: fast, fearless, and grounded in our values," Byrne says. "Now, it's about taking that next step."

Experienced Fijian lock Temo Mayanavanua is a massive addition to the Drua pack, returning home from England. Photo/Photosport/Bruce Lim

Defending champions Crusaders have opted to promote from within as they look to go back-to-back.

All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku is the main signing, heading back to Christchurch to add further weapons to their midfield.

Toby Bell, Louie Chapman, Maloni Kunawave, Liam Jack, Manumaua Letiu and James White have all come through the Crusaders Academy for the maiden contracts with the most successful team in Super Rugby.

All Black Leicester Fainga’anuku is the main signing for the defending champions, heading back to Christchurch to add further weapons to the Crusaders' midfield. Photo/Photosport/Paul Thomas

Moana Pasifika: star power and new beginnings

Moana Pasifika have made one of the biggest off-season moves by securing Ngani Laumape, the former All Blacks midfielder known for his explosive running and physicality.

His signing marks a major statement of intent as the team rebuilds after a season of change in 2025.

The squad also features new recruits like Japan hooker Mamoru Harada and rising talents Israel Leota and Glen Vaiju out wide.

Veteran halfbacks Augustine Pulu and Jonathan Taumateine return to guide a youthful roster that continues to draw from across the Moana region.

While star players like inspirational All Blacks captain Ardie Savea are taking sabbaticals in 2026, Moana's leadership group remains focused on building momentum after a challenging campaign this year.

"Ngani brings experience, power, and leadership - exactly what we need as we move forward, " a team spokesperson says. "We're proud to represent our people and our culture every time we take the field."

Ardie Savea will not be there in 2026 for the Moana Pasifika, as the insiprational captain is going on a sabbatical. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

A milestone season for the Pacific

The 2026 season will mark 30 years of Super Rugby, with the Drua and Moana Pasifika continuing to amplify Pacific representation on the world stage.

Both teams will again lead the way for local players while showcasing the strength, spirit, and flair that Pacific rugby brings to the competition.

The new season begins in February 2026, with Moana Pasifika set to face the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs and the Fijian Drua opening their campaign at home in Suva against the Highlanders from Otago.

The 2026 season retains the core structure from this year, with 11 teams competing in a 16-round regular season. Each side plays 14 matches (seven at home, seven away), with two byes built in. Teams face four designated "rival" opponents twice and the remaining six once.

The Finals Series involves the top six teams. The match-ups are one vs six, two vs five, and three vs four in the qualifying finals, with the winners progressing to the semi-finals.

A key change for 2026 is that, rather than penalising a losing qualifier by dropping a seed, the highest-ranked losing team advances as the fourth seed and plays away in the semi-final and if they make it to the final.

For more information on Super Rugby 2026, click here.

The Drua have been busy in the off-season, recruiting a host of Fijian rugby stars for 2026. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

TEAMS

Fijian Drua: 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 (cc), Vilive Miramira. Backrowers: 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. Back Three: Aisea Nawai, Epeli Momo, Ilaisa Droasese, Isikeli Basiyalo, Manasa Mataele, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro.

For the Highlanders, they continue to build a side stacked with exciting talent, including Los Pumas lock Tomās Lavanini from Argentina, left, who heads to Dunedin after leaving Lyon in France, while former Blues prop Angus Ta’avao brings experience to their front-row, and NZ U20s outside back Stanley Solomon, right, adds to the explosive depth after an impressive NPC season with Wellington, scoring eight tries in six starts. Photo/Highlanders/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga/Kerry Marshall

Highlanders: 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, Tomās 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: Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai. Outside backs: Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Josh Whaanga, Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-Harris.

Japan hooker Mamoru Harada, left, joins Moana Pasifika, with young wingers Israel Leota from the Brisbane Broncos and Glen Vaihu, right, set to be the ones to watch. Photo/Japan Rugby League One/Queensland Rugby League/AAP-Photosport/AAP Image/Scott Barbour

Moana Pasifika: Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu. Hookers: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samieula Moli. Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage. Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Tupou Afungia. Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini. First fives: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini. Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu. Outside backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili.

The NSW Waratahs are another club that have recruited heavily in the off-season, bringing in forward duo Pete Samu, left, and Matt Philip. Photo/Photosport/Clay Cross

NSW Waratahs: Props: Apolosi Ranawai, Dan Botha, Isaac Kailea, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Tom Lambert, Will Goddard. 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. 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, Sid Harvey, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen.

The defending champion Crusaders have opted to promote from within as they look to go back-to-back in 2026. Photo/Photosport/Peter Meecham

Crusaders: Props: Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Tamaiti Williams. Hookers: Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumaua Letiu. Locks: Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Scott Barrett, Tahlor Cahill. Loose Forwards: Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi. Halfbacks: Kyle Preston, Louie Chapman, Noah Hotham. First fives: James White, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara. Midfield: Aki Tuivailala, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Toby Bell. Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicoll, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.

The Chiefs have put together a strong squad, with 15 capped All Blacks across the forwards and backs. Former Wallaby Lalakai Foketi, left, headlines the new faces, joining from the Waratahs, while Kyren Taumoefolau is an excellent pick-up from Moana Pasifika. Photo/Photosport/Clay Cross/Andrew Cornaga

Chiefs: Props: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jarred Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio. Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tyrone Thompson. Locks: Aisake Vakasuiola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Taine Kolose, Tupou Vaa’i. Loose Forwards: Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi. Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe. First fives: Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb. Midfield: Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea, Tepaea Cook-Savage. Outside backs: Emoni Narawa, Etene Nainai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling.

Jordie Barrett is one of two major signings for the Hurricanes. Barrett has completed his sabbatical overseas with Irish club Leinster, helping them to the URC title, and is joined by fellow returning Hurricane Josh Moorby for Super Rugby 2026. Photo/Photosport/John Cowpland

Hurricanes: Props: Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia. Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason. Locks: Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tom Allen, Warner Dearns. Loose Forwards: Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai. Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Ere Enari, Jordi Viljeon. First fives: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Harry Godfrey, Callum Harkin. Midfield: Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, Josh Timu, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan. Outside backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love.

The Blues have maintained a relatively stable squad ahead of their push to reclaim the title. Centre Pita Ahki is the big signing for the Blues, with the experienced midfielder coming back home after several years in French Rugby. Photo/INPHO/Photosport/James Crombie

Blues: 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. Loose Forwards: Anton Segner, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Malachi Wrampling, Terrel Peita, Tristan Cook. Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki. First fives: Beauden Barrett, Rico Simpson, Stephen Perofeta, Zarn Sullivan. Midfield: Corey Evans, James Cameron, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele. Outside backs: AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Cody Vai, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, Payton Spencer.

The Force have searched across the world to add to their growing contingency of Wallabies. Argentina lock Franco Molina, left, adds to their depth, with ex-All Blacks winger George Bridge another handy pick-up. Photo/Argentina Rugby Union/INPHO/Photosport/Bryan Keane

Western Force: Props: Feao Fotuaika, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Josh Smith, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tom Robertson, Sef Fa'agase. Hookers: Albert Alcock, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Nic Dolly. Locks: Darcy Swain, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa. Back Row: Carlo Tizzano, Kane Koteka, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Will Harris, Vaiolini Ekuasi. Halfbacks: Doug Philipson, Nathan Hastie, Henry Robertson, Agustin Moyano. Flyhalf: Ben Donaldson, Max Burey, Alex Harford. Midfield: Divad Palu, Boston Fakafanua, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle. Outside Backs: George Bridge, Kurtley Beale, Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Dylan Pietsch, Ronan Leahy.

Wallaby Carter Gordon, left, joins the Reds as flyhalf after a brief stint in the NRL, making his name originally with the Melbourne Rebels. Further signings include Fijian international Ben Volavola and Chiefs prop Aidan Ross, right, who made his Wallabies debut against Japan on 25 October. Photo/Photosport/Elias Rodriguez/Jeremy Ward

Reds: Prop: Aidan Ross, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Nick Bloomfield, Trevor King, Zane Nonggorr. Hookers: Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, Richie Asiata. Locks: Hamish Muller, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru. Back Row: Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial, John Bryant. Halfbacks: Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon, Tate McDermott. Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh. Midfield: Dre Pakeho, Frankie Goldsbrough, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook. Outside Backs: Heremaia Murray, Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Nicholas Conway, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch. Utility: Ben Volavola, Filipo Daugunu, Treyvon Pritchard.

Wallabies flyhalf Tane Edmed, featured for North Harbour during the NPC in 2024. He replaces Noah Lolesio as the chief playmaker at the Brumbies, heading south from the Waratahs. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

ACT Brumbies: Props: Allan Ala'alatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Lington Ieli, Tevita Alatini. Hookers: Billy Pollard, Chris Mickelson, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Bowron. Locks: Cadeyrn Neville, Harvey Cordukes, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson. Back Row: 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, Ollie Sapsford. Outside Backs: Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kye Oates, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright.