Super Rugby AUS is back for 2026 as the teams battle it out for the title in a fast-paced competition.
A host of Wallabies and future stars will be eager to make their names as they look to impress heading into a massive 12 months for the sport.
Watch every second of Super Rugby AUS live and on-demand via Stan Sport and Rugby.com.au.
The NSW Waratahs enter as the defending champions, taking on the ACT Brumbies on Sunday.
Before that, the competition begins on Saturday with the Queensland Reds hosting the Western Force.
Rugby.com.au breaks down the teams for Round One of Super Rugby AUS.
NOTE: Super Rugby AUS will operate with extended benches, allowing teams to name up to 25 players
Tom Lynagh's return is the big news for the Queensland Reds, named to return after a frustrating run of injuries.
Lynagh will start at flyhalf for the clash, partnering with Norths standout Mosiah Christian, whilst Lachie Anderson skippers the team.
Fellow Wallabies Matt Faessler and Josh Flook also have been named to start, with Australia U20 standouts Will Ross and Tom Robinson selected in the pack.
Zane Nonggorr and Jock Campbell headline the bench, with Campbell set to finish the game after returning from Argentina.
For the Force, new recruit Harry McLaughlin-Phillips starts straight away at flyhalf.
But the story is Zac Lomax, offically set for a stint at outside centre after being named in the midfield with Boston Fakafanua.
Hooker Nic Dolly skippers the team, with Wallace Charlie set to begin his life in the west on the wing.
REDS (1-15): George Blake, Matt Faessler, Nick Bloomfield, Will Ross, Charlie Brosnan, Tom Robinson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Mosiah Christian, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Josh Takai, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson (c), Will McCulloch
Replacements: Zac Hough, Harrison Usher, Zane Nonggorr, Kenneth Harris, Vaiuta Latu, Cooper Stewart, Ben Volavola, Jake Pappin, Trevor King, Jock Campbell
FORCE (1-15): Max Sawers, Nic Dolly (c), Brad Kuhn, Will Harris, Zak Healey, Kane Koteka, Jack Daly, Jackson Iose, Nathan Hastie, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Wallace Charlie, Boston Fakafanua, Zac Lomax, Rohan Leahy, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Albert Alcock, Junior Passi, Regin Pratt, Wil Taylor, Seta Baker, Tama Anderson, Luke Aiken, Tim Sail, Kurtley Beale, Sam Faoagali
11-cap Wallaby Tane Edmed headlines a strong backline named for the ACT Brumbies' clash against the NSW Waratahs.
Edmed is joined by fellow Wallaby Corey Toole, with new recruit Triston Reilly selected at fullback.
Second-rower Toby Macpherson captains the squad, lining up with debutant Josh Townsend, who completes a remarkable transition from being the club's assistant team manager.
Australia U20 representatives Eli Langi and TJ Talaileva start in the back-row, while fellow young gun Ewald Kruger comes off the bench.
As for the Waratahs, they have named Eamon Doyle to skipper a side mixed with Wallabies and young guns.
Australia U20 stars Edwin Langi and Marshall Le Maitre start in the pack alongside Wallabies Miles Amatosero and Pete Samu.
New recruit Max Burey partners Teddy Wilson in the halves after he was cleared to play.
The backline is filled with Easts talent from the Shute Shield winning team, including Super Rugby Rookie of the Year Sid Harvey.
BRUMBIES (1-15): Lington Ieli, Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Josh Townsend, Toby Macpherson (c), Eli Langi, TJ Talaileva, Oscar Cleary, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Triston Reilly
Replacements: Ewald Kruger, Finn Baxter, Darcy Breen, Tu'ukalikali Vaipulu, Darcy Fogerty, Dan Nelson, Oscar Shaw, Dylan Bretton, Jarrah McLeod, TBC
WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Edwin Langi, Eamon Doyle (c), Miles Amatosero, Justice Taumoepeau, Marshall Le Maitre, Pete Samu, Teddy Wilson, Max Burey, Freedom Vahaakaolo, George Poolman, Otto Serfontein, Latrell Smiler Ah-Koing, Sid Harvey
Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Brady Dawson, Will Goddard, Tom Girle, Angus Scott-Young, Isaac Fonua, Angus Grover, Joe Dillon, Jack Hardy.
