Wilkin signs for OS club, Force sign Reds back Mac, Rebels young gun in’dream’ move
The demise of the Melbourne Rebels and the discount of Australian Tremendous Rugby Pacific groups to 4 has seen a substantial shakeup within the participant shares for the surviving golf equipment.
On this evolving article The Roar will monitor participant signing and departure information because it occurs earlier than the Tremendous Rugby squads are confirmed in early 2025.
(Observe the 2024 squads listed under have been these with which the golf equipment started final season, not the squads they’d on the end. New squads will likely be introduced early in 2025)
LATEST
Former Melbourne Rebels skipper and Australia A flanker Brad Wilkin has signed to play in Main League Rugby within the US after a irritating damage stretch scuppered his probabilities of a Tremendous Rugby move.
Wilkin will be a part of the San Diego Legion – becoming a member of former Aussie sevens coach John Manenti in his new gig.
The Queensland Reds have signed Wilkin’s former Insurgent teammate Rebels teen Mason Gordon.
The brother of code-hopping ex-Wallaby Carter performed his faculties rugby at Brisbane Boys Faculty and performed for the Junior Wallabies in 2022 and 2023 earlier than making his Tremendous Rugby debut this yr and enjoying 5 instances for the doomed franchise.
He can cowl No.10 and No.15 and the Reds have a contemporary emptiness within the flyhalf roster with James O’Connor signing to play for the Crusaders.
“It was pretty much a no-brainer when the offer came with the unbelievable squad and coaching staff at the Reds,” Gordon mentioned.
“I was born in Buderim and started school on the Sunshine Coast, so I definitely grew up always wanting to play for Queensland. I’d make the trek to Suncorp Stadium with the family to watch the Reds play as a kid, so there is dream-come-true stuff to this.”
On Tuesday, the Force confirmed Mac Grealy, the Queensland Reds exterior back who has been trialling with the membership, had signed a two-year deal.
The previous Australian Schoolboys Rugby Workforce member beforehand performed 26 Tremendous Rugby video games for the Reds after debuting in 2021, having received the Membership’s U20s Participant of the Yr in 2020.
He began 11 Tremendous Rugby video games final season earlier than shifting west.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Force for the next two seasons,” Grealy mentioned in an announcement.
“I really enjoyed getting to know all the players and staff over our time in Africa and can’t wait to build on those connections through pre-season.
“There’s been a great feel around the group and it’s something I’m grateful to be a part of while adding value where I can.”
Force head coach Simon Cron mentioned he’d lengthy been an admirer of Grealy and was thrilled to deliver him on board.
“Watching Mac play for a number of years we have always been impressed by his high work rate and ability to link in attack,” Cron mentioned.
“His ability to play at 15, or wing, is a huge asset to our team. You’ll see he has an enormous number of last passes for tries.
“His personality type fits in with the player group we have here. He is humble and hungry, and it is a credit to those who have worked with him in his rugby development.
“He’s been great since arriving in Perth. He’s highly motivated and has a lot of exciting rugby left at 22-years of age.”
Grealy’s signing follows the recruitment of Wallabies Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Darcy Swain together with internationally capped hooker Nic Dolly, Divad Palu, Josh Thompson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Sio Tomkinson and Matt Proctor forward of the 2025 season.
In the meantime Lachlan Hooper, the brother of Wallabies ahead Tom, is considered one of 4 Brumbies children promoted to the membership’s Tremendous Rugby squad.
Kadin Pritchard, who has signed a three-year contract till the top of 2027, joins Shane Wilcox, Hooper and Tevita Alatini, who’re on one season offers.
Hooper, who performed for the Australia Beneath 20s final yr, is comparable in stature to his older brother Tom.
“We had heaps of busts up when I was growing up,” Tom Hooper informed The Roar.
“He’s [Lachlan] actually left-handed, I’m right-handed, so we only ever had one set of boxing gloves. I’d take the right-handed glove and he’d take the left-handed glove and the rest is history. It usually ended up in tears or just him getting angry because he’s a fiery little bastard.
“So a couple of bust-ups, a couple of touch games in the backyard that turned into tackle, but because he was three years’ younger than me, he was always a little bit smaller but he’s just got that dog about him, that bit of fight about him.”
Hooper was the membership’s U19s Grand Ultimate man of the match and captain final yr however missed 2024 via damage.
Former Wallabies star James O’Connor has prolonged his Tremendous Rugby Pacific profession by shifting to New Zealand and signing a one-year cope with the Crusaders.
The ex-Queensland Reds playmaker knocked back a contract to stay at Ballymore subsequent season, the place accidents had relegated him to a mentoring position in 2024.
The Crusaders introduced on October 10 he had signed for 2025 to play underneath former NSW Waratahs coach Rob Penney.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment,” O’Connor mentioned in an announcement.
“My whole career I’ve heard so much about the Crusaders culture and innovation so to experience it firsthand and learn a new way of playing the game is something I’m really looking forward to.”
The 14-time champions have struggled to beat the lack of famous person Richie Mo’unga, who’s enjoying in Japan, lacking the finals this season.
STATE OF PLAY
There was vital motion among the many Australian franchises with the carve up of the Rebels listing ongoing. The Waratahs, who’ve a brand new incoming coach in Dan McKellar, have signed a number of large names together with Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway.
On September 9 they introduced every week of signing information – beginning with the naming of six newcomers (see the Tahs part under). A day later the Reds introduced their flyhalf Lawson Creighton could be leaving to the Waratahs regardless of the membership wanting him to remain. Lastly, on the finish of the week, it might be introduced that Wallaby Dylan Pietsch will depart the Waratahs, signing a multi-year contract with the Western Force – regardless of stories the move was blocked by Rugby Australia.
The Reds have additionally beefed up with the arrival of Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and winger Filipo Daugunu.
On September 12 the membership mentioned goodbye to a different flyhalf, with veteran James O’Connor opting to go abroad.
And on September 17 the membership confirmed to The Roar that former Beneath 20 Australia back Taj Annan, who performed 5 Tremendous Rugby video games final season earlier than damage, is leaving the Reds. It has been reported that Annan, 21, will likely be becoming a member of Newcastle Knights within the NRL.
There was loads of change on the Western Force as nicely with Darcy Swain crossing over from the Brumbies and Brandon Paenga-Amosa coming back from France.
On September 11 they introduced the signing of one-game All Black centre Matt Proctor, who was on the Rebels in 2024.
Up to now, the Brumbies are protecting their powder comparatively dry, though they’ve signed two ex-Rebels in addition to selling 4 junior stars, together with Lachlan Hooper.
There has additionally been vital motion abroad to this point, with the likes of Wallabies Izack Rodda, Izzy Perese, Ned Hanigan and Lachie Swinton packing their luggage for new adventures.
Add to that Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili who has signed a one-year deal to affix New Zealand-based franchise Moana Pasifika after leaving the Rebels. He has fallen considerably down the pecking order after being named in Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad.
ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies have picked up two former Rebels in David Feliuai and Tuaina Taii Tualima however will look to financial institution on a steady squad. The largest losses are forwards Darcy Swain to the Force and Jahrome Brown, who is predicted to move dwelling 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)
(Picture by Hannah Peters/Getty Photographs)
2024 squad:
Props: Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Harry Vella
Hookers: Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney, Billy Pollard
Locks: Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Lachlan Shaw
Unfastened forwards: Rob Valetini, Charlie Cale, Jahrome Brown, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Ed Kennedy
Halfbacks: Ryan Lonergan, Harrison Goddard, Klayton Thorn
Fly-halves: Noah Lolesio, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
Midfielders: Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Austin Anderson
Exterior backs: Tom Wright, Corey Toole, Ben O’Donnell, Andy Muirhead
NSW Waratahs
There was an enormous upheaval at Daceyville. Early consideration will likely be on code-hopper Joseph Suaalii in his transition from the Roosters whereas the addition of Andrew Kellaway and Darby Lancaster from the Rebels ought to assist ease the ache of dropping Mark Nawaqanitawase to rugby league.
The inflow of gifted back-three and centre choices has additionally meant a number of gamers have departed to make means – most not too long ago two-test Wallaby Dylan Pietsch, who has made the journey throughout the Nullarbor to sign a multi-year cope with the Western Force – a move that can doubtless show mutually useful, giving the gifted winger extra sport time whereas liberating up choices for Dan McKellar, and regardless of stories the RA reported tried to dam the move.
They added three extra ex-Rebels to the listing together with three extra gamers in a single day.
Prop Siosifa Amone and outdoors back Henry O’Donnell return dwelling 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 video games), O’Donnell (5 video games), Smith (20 video games) and Dobbins (6 video games) all arrive with Tremendous Rugby Pacific expertise underneath their belts, whereas O’Donnell and Talataina represented the Junior Wallabies final yr.
In the meantime Australian-born lock Ben Grant is back on dwelling soil after spending the 2024 Tremendous Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, preceded by two years with the San Diego Legion.
Joseph Suaalii is tackled. (Picture by Brendon Thorne/Getty Photographs)
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).
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 (Good), Archer Holz (Scarlets), Theo Fourie, Vuate Kurawalevu
The Waratahs wish to farewell and thank considered one of our greats, #1601 Jed Holloway, for his unbelievable years of service, management, and unwavering dedication to the sky blue jersey. Your onerous work, coronary heart, and fervour have left an enduring legacy on the membership ???? pic.twitter.com/bbQExvpxLJ
— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) August 26, 2024
2024 squad:
Props: Angus Bell, Archer Holz, Daniel Botha, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Tom Lambert, Tom Ross.
Hookers: Dave Porecki, Mahe Vailanu, Theo Fourie.
Locks: Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan.
Unfastened forwards: Charlie Gamble, Fergus Lee-Warner, Lachie Swinton, Langi Gleeson, Ned Slack-Smith.
Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Jack Grant, Teddy Wilson.
Fly-halves: Tane Edmed, Jack Bowen, Will Harrison.
Midfielders: Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton.
Exterior backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Vuate Karawalevu.
Queensland Reds
Membership veteran James O’Connor has opted to go away for a possibility abroad after 5 years with the membership.
“These last five years a have been the highlight of my rugby career,” O’Connor mentioned. “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.”
Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss mentioned: “James O’Connor has been a selfless leader in my time in Queensland, and personally I’m so pleased and grateful I had the chance to coach him this season, as are all of the coaching team.
“Whilst James encountered a challenging season that saw injury limit his ability to contribute on the field, he dedicated himself to improving the team in any way he could.
“His immense experience and willingness to share his experiences has played a pivotal role in the development of the Reds, most notably with our young flyhalves Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. They’ll undoubtedly reflect positively on the time they were able to spend with him, fine-tuning their game and understanding the mental side of the playmakers’ role, and for that we’re indebted to James.
“We did make him an offer to stay and continue at the Reds and will be sad to see him go, but we respect the decision he and Bridget have made and wish them all the very best. I have no doubt James will return to give back to the Queensland Rugby community in coming years in some capacity, and that’s something we can all look forward to.”
The Reds have given their aspect an injection of sophistication whereas with the ability to maintain comfortable their current stars. They’re shaping to present the competitors an honest tilt underneath Kiss. One to observe is Jordan Petaia, who’s but to commit his future for subsequent season.
They did nonetheless lose flyhalf Lawson Creighton to the Tahs and Mac Grealy to the Force.
Creighton, 26, performed 34 video games for the Queensland Reds since his debut in 2021, together with 9 appearances in 2024.
“We would have loved Lawson to stay,” Kiss mentioned.
“He has been an excellent and valued figure for the Reds over a number of seasons. We fully respect his decision.”
The membership can be dropping Taj Annan, along with his vacation spot anticipated to be the Newcastle Knights.
Taj Annan of the Reds. (Picture by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis through Getty Photographs)
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 Purple Regulions), Lawson Creighton (Waratahs), Taj Annan (NRL), James O’Connor (Crusaders), Mac Grealy (Force).
2024 squad:
Props: Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Peni Ravai, Zane Nonggorr, George Blake, Massimo de Litiis, Sef Fa’agase
Hookers: Matt Faessler, Josh Nasser, Richie Asiata, Max Craig
Locks: Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Cormac Daly, Taine Roiri, Connor Vest
Unfastened forwards: Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, John Bryant
Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon
Fly-halves: Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lawson Creighton
Midfielders: James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Taj Annan, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Frankie Goldsbrough
Exterior backs: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey, Mac Grealy, Tim Ryan
Welcome to the wingers circle, Dylan Pietsch ????
The Wallabies winger will be a part of the Force after a robust 2024 SRP marketing campaign with the NSW Waratahs, boasting 4 tries in 12 appearances ????⁰
Learn extra about his thrilling signing to the Force ????https://t.co/uKA8CV63yB— Western Force (@westernforce) September 14, 2024
Western Force
The Force recruitment division has been flat out with a big altering of the guard.
Former Reds exterior back Mac Grealy is the newest identify on their listing.
Grealy’s signing follows the recruitment of Wallabies Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Darcy Swain together with internationally capped hooker Nic Dolly, Divad Palu, Josh Thompson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Sio Tomkinson and Matt Proctor forward of the 2025 season.
Tomkinson spent the previous two seasons enjoying with Welsh membership Dragons RFC within the United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Problem Cup. Tomkinson scored six tries in his 24 appearances for the Dragons. Tomkinson additionally brings Tremendous Rugby expertise, having performed 43 instances for the Highlanders from 2017 to 2022, scoring 14 tries.
There will likely be plenty of curiosity within the efficiency of Dolly, who received a cap for England however is a doable future Wallaby, having come from down underneath.
They added one-game All Black Proctor to their backline shares.
Proctor will be a part of the Force after earlier stints with the Melbourne Rebels (2024), Northampton Saints (2019-2023) and the Hurricanes (2013-2019) the place he was a part of their 2016 Tremendous Rugby triumph.
The 31-year-old back performed for the All Blacks in November 2018 towards Japan, scoring on debut. He additionally notched 12 caps for the Maori All Blacks between 2013 and 2018.
The Force additionally promoted 2024 Rising Star winner Henry Robertson to a full Tremendous Rugby contract with the membership on a two-year deal. He’ll exchange Ian Prior within the scrum half-stocks.
The 24-year-old half-back had joined the Force in 2023, getting sport time within the Toyota Problem towards the Cheetahs, earlier than enjoying two video games on an damage cowl contract within the 2024 Tremendous Rugby Pacific season.
Robertson beforehand performed six Tremendous Rugby video games for the NSW Waratahs, having initially hailed from Shute Defend outfit Sydney College.
Nic Dolly (Picture by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Assortment through Getty Photographs)
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
2024 squad:
Props: Atu Moli, Santiago Medrano, Angus Wagner, Harry Hoopert, Marley Pearce, Charles Hancock, Siosifa Amone
Hookers: Tom Horton, Feleti Kaitu’u
Locks: Izack Rodda, Jeremy Williams, Felix Kalapu, Lopeti Faifua
Unfastened forwards: Michael Wells, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Carlo Tizzano, Jackson Pugh, Will Harris, Papillon Sevele
Halfbacks: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Nic White, Ian Prior
Fly-halves: Reesjan Pasitoa, Max Burey, Campbell Parata
Midfielders: Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Henry O’Donnell, Bayley Kuenzle, Nikolai Foliaki, Ollie Cummins
Exterior backs: Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Chase Tiatia, George Poolman
Blues
Beauden Barrett returns from a season in Japan and is joined by thrilling flyhalf prospect Payton Spencer, the son of All Blacks nice Carlos Spencer. Payton was beforehand contracted to the NZ Sevens program. The membership has additionally signed a Sevens workforce 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,
2024 squad:
Props: Joshua Fusitua, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, PJ Sheck, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, Soane Vikena
Locks: Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Laghlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Patrick Tuipulotu
Unfastened forwards: Adrian Choat, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Rob Rush, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First-fives: Stephen Perofeta, Lucas Cashmore
Midfielders: Corey Evans, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Plummer
Exterior backs: Kade Banks, Caleb Clarke, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Telea
Chiefs
Ins: Leroy Carter (NZ Sevens), Josh Jacomb (promoted)
Outs: Josh Ioane (Connacht)
2024 squad:
Props: Sione Ahio, George Dyer, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Jared Proffit, Aidan Ross
Hookers: Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Jimmy Tupou
Unfastened forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tom Florence, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Malachi Wrampling-Alec
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
Fly-halves: Josh Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling
Exterior backs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Peniasi Malimali, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Crusaders
Ins: James O’Connor (Reds)
Outs: Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Fergus Burke (Saracens), Quentin MacDonald (Tasman), Jone Rova (Canterbury), Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)
2024 squad:
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, George Bell, Ioane Moananu
Props: Joe Moody, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell
Locks: Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Unusual, Tahlor Cahill, Zach Gallagher, Jamie Hannah
Unfastened forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner
Halfbacks: Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond, Willi Heinz
First fives: Fergus Burke, Taha Kemara, Rivez Reihana
Midfielders: David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Ryan Crotty, Jone Rova
Exterior backs: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Macca Springer, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki, Leigh Halfpenny, Heremaia Murray
Fijian Drua
Ins: Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Peni Ravai (Reds), Joseva Tamani (Colomiers),
Outs:
2024 squad:
Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereti Hetet, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Meli Tuni
Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Te Cirikidaveta
Unfastened forwards: Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira
Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli
Fly-halves: Kemu Valentini, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Caleb Muntz
Midfielders: Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Waqa Nalaga
Exterior backs: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Taniela Rakuro, Epeli Momo
Utility: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Highlanders
Ins: Finn Hurley (promoted), Soane Vikena (Blues), Caleb Tangitau (Blues), Veveni Lasaqa (Hurricanes)
Outs: Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Pari Pari Parkinson (Inexperienced Rockets), Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Rhys Patchell (Inexperienced Rockets), Josh Timu (Otago), Martin Bodago (Oyonnax), Connor Backyard-Bachop (deceased)
2024 squad:
Props: Jermaine Ainsley, Ethan de Groot, Luca Inch, Ayden Johnstone, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u
Hookers: Henry Bell, Ricky Jackson, Jack Taylor
Locks: Mitchell Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Pari Pari Parkinson, Will Tucker
Unfastened forwards: Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Billy Harmon, Max Hicks, Hayden Michaels, Hugh Renton, Tom Sanders, Sean Withy
Halfbacks: James Arscott, Folau Fakatava, Nathan Hastie
Fly-halves: Ajay Faleafaga, Cameron Millar, Rhys Patchell
Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Josh Timu, Matt Whaanga
Exterior backs: Martin Bogado, Connor Backyard-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Jonah Lowe, Jona Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Hurricanes
Ins: Tom Allen (promoted), Jordi VIljoen (promoted), Zach Gallagher (Crusaders), TK Howden (Manawatu), Kade Banks (North Harbour), Tjay Clarke (Wellington), Fehi Fineanganofo (Sevens)
Outs: TJ Perenara (Black Rams Tokyo), Justin Sangster (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Josh Moorby (Montpellier), Aidan Morgan (Ulster), Veveni Lasaqa (Highlanders), Jordie Barrett (Leinster), Salesi Rayasi (Vannes), Ben Grant (Waratahs)
2024 squad:
Props: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, James O’Reilly
Locks: Caleb Delany, Ben Grant, Justin Sangster, Josh Taula, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere
Unfastened forwards: Devan Flanders, TK Howden, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields
Halfbacks: Richard Judd, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard
Fly-halves: Brett Cameron, Aidan Morgan
Midfield: Jordie Barrett, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen
Exterior backs: Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Salesi Rayasi, Daniel Sinkinson
Moana Pasifika
The massive signing is the addition of All Blacks tremendous star Ardie Savea who ought to give the workforce an enormous increase. In addition they added former Rebels and Hurricanes flyhalf Jackson Backyard-Bachop who arrives after a season in France.
Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili, who fell out of favour with the Rebels final season and was drafted into the Waratahs as an damage substitute, has signed a one-year deal.
Ins: Ardie Savea (Kobe Steelers), Melani Matavao (promoted), Tuna Tuitama (promoted), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry), Jackson Backyard-Bachop (CA Brive), Pone Fa’amausili (Rebels)
Outs: Sekope Kepu (retired), Tevita Langi (North Harbour), Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Henry Taefu (Purple Hurricanes), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers)
2024 squad:
Props: Abraham Pole, Donald Brighthouse, James Lay, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Suetena Asomua.
Hookers: Samiueka Moli, Sama Malolo, Tomasi Maka.
Locks: Irie Papuni, Ofa Tauatevalu, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Viliami Napa’a.
Unfastened forwards: Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Miracle Faiilagi, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Solomone Funaki.
Halfbacks: Aisea Halo, Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.
Fly-halves: Christian Lealiifano, William Havili.
Midfielders: D’Angelo Leuila, Advantageous Inisi, Henry Taefu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo.
Exterior backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Danny Toala, Julian Savea, Neria Fomai, Nigel Ah Wong, Otumaka Mausia, Viliami Advantageous.
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).