Super Rugby Pacific: Players to watch in 2025

All 11 teams have been confirmed for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition including several star Pasifika ready to be unleashed.

The competition will take on a new look next year, with one less side in the mix after the Melbourne Rebels’ exit this year.

Here’s a look at the biggest Pacific names for next year.

Blues - coming off their first championship in 20 years, the Blues have named a strong squad ready to back up next year’s campaign. Several players have received the call-up to full-time duties, including 21-year-old Ben Ake.
Forwards: Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Ben Ake, Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, James Mullan, Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Christie, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Che Clark.
Backs: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Xavi Taele, Corey Evans, Meihana Grindlay, Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Payton Spencer, Reon Paul, Cole Forbes.
Unavailable due to injury: Bryce Heem (wrist)
Pacific Stars to Watch: Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Hoskins Sotutu.

Chiefs - the Chiefs will be eager to avenge last season’s grand final loss, and with some new additions to their forward pack, the side look strong. Crusaders hooker Brodie McCalister and Brumbies loose-forward Jahrome Brown join the Chiefs pack, ensuring a physical and experienced forwards.
Forwards: Aidan Ross, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukie’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.
Pacific stars to watch: Wallace Sititi, Emoni Narawa, Samisoni Taukie’aho.

Hurricanes - The Hurricanes have looked to the future, introducing several new faces with the departures of TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, and Salesi Rayasi. They retain some strike power in their squad that will bring some excitement to the competition.
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.
Pacific stars to watch: Ereatara Enari, Kini Naholo, Du’Plessis Kirifi.

Crusaders - after a horrific season from the 10-time Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders have named a star-studded squad to take the field in 2025.
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.
Pacific stars to watch: Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Christian Lio-Willie.

Highlanders: rounding out the crop of New Zealand-based players, the Highlanders have named a strong side with a mix of experience and youth that‘s sure to excite next season.
Forwards: Ethan de Groot, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Rohan Wingham, Sosefo Kautai, Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena, Will Stodart, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Lui Naeata, Hayden Michaels, Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Josh Bartlett, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Tom Sanders.
Backs: Folau Fakatava, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Ajay Faleafaga, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas Umaga Jensen, Tanielu Tele’a, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Finn Hurley, James Arscott, Josh Whaanga, Michael Manson, Josh Timu.
Pacific stars to watch: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepekns, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Folau Fakatava.

Moana Pasifika: perhaps the busiest off-season it has been for Moana Pasifika, who, after three seasons, have stacked their squad with some big names including World Rugby Player of the Year, Ardie Savea. With plenty of returning and new players in the fold, 2025 is set to be a new age for Moana Pasifika.
Forwards: Abraham Pole, Alamanda Motuga, Allan Craig, Ardie Savea, Chris Apoua, Irie Papuni, James Lay, Lotu Inisi, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Tauelangi, Pone Fa’amausili, Samiuela Moli, Samuel Slade, Sama Malolo, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Sione Mafileo, Tomasi Maka, Tito Tuipulotu, Tom Savage.
Backs: Aisea Halo, Danny Toala, Fine Inisi, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Julian Savea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Losi Filipo, Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Patrick Pellegrini, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili.
Pacific players to watch: Ardie Savea, William Havili, Miracle Faiilagi.

Fiji Drua: one of the most exciting teams in the competition, the Fiji Drua return with an exciting side that have been busy in the international season. The Drua's 2025 roster packs a powerful punch, featuring three Olympic silver medalists and an impressive 33 Flying Fijians internationals.
Forwards: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere (cc), Mesulame Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Joseva Tamani.
Backs: Frank Lomani (cc), Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Caleb Muntz, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Isikeli Rabitu, Iosefo Masi, Inia Tabuavou, Waqa Nalaga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Ilaisa Droasese, Junior Ratuva, Vuate Karawalevu, Ponipate Loganimasi.
Pacific players to watch: Frank Lomani, Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Masi.

Brumbies: The Canberra-based side have bolstered their ranks with three Wallabies stars: hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa from France's Montpellier, lock Darcy Swain, and speedster Dylan Pietsch from the Waratahs.
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.

Pacific players to watch: Allan Alaalatoa, Len Ikitau, Noa Lolesio.

Queensland Reds: Two former Queensland Reds are on their way back to Brisbane with Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and winger Filipo Daugunu returning to the club where they made their Super Rugby debuts.
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.

Pacific players to watch: Hunter Paisami, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Sef Fa'agase.

NSW Waratahs: The NSW Waratahs’ high-profile recruitment drive was headlined by the capture of 21-year-old Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, and joined by fellow Wallabies Taniela Tupou, Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Isaac Kailea, and Darby Lancaster.
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.

Pacific players to watch: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Clem Halaholo, Taniela Tupou.

Western Force: The Western Force secured Wallabies talent for the season ahead in the form of hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa from Montpellier, lock Darcy Swain from the ACT Brumbies and winger Dylan Pietsch from the Waratahs.
Forwards: Sam Carter, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Harry Hoopert, Tom Horton, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Kane Koteka, Atunaisa Moli, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce, Reed Prinsep, Tom Robertson, Papillon Sevele, Darcy Swain Tiaan Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Carlo Tizzano, Mitchell Watts, Jeremy Williams.
Backs: Max Burey, Ben Donaldson, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Mac Grealy, Bayley Kuenzle, Ronan Leahy, Divad Palu, Reesjan Pasitoa, Dylan Pietsch, Doug Philipson, George Poolman, Harry Potter, Matt Proctor, Henry Robertson, Hamish Stewart, Patelesio Tomkinson, Nic White.

Pacific players to watch: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Patelesio Tomkinson, Vaiolini Ekuasi.