Super Rugby Pacific squads confirmed for 2023 season

Thu, Dec 1, 2022, 1:28 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Blues hosted the Crusaders in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific final.

The squads have been confirmed for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Kurtley Beale is amongst a host of talent returning to the competition, re-signing with the NSW Waratahs.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR EARLY BIRD AND HOSPITALITY TICKETS FOR THE HSBC SYDNEY SEVENS

He is joined by All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and the electric Damian McKenzie as they return to the Blues and Chiefs respectively.

With the World Cup on the horizon, a number of players have made the move as they look to establish their International claims.

Wallaby Folau Fainga'a makes the move west under new coach Simon Cron, joined by Hamish Stewart whilst Alex Mafi has linked up with the Melbourne Rebels.

After their inaugural season, Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua have bolstered their squad with exciting talent in a quest to push for the finals.

The 18-week season will kick-off on Friday 24 February when the Crusaders face the Chiefs at Orangetheory Stadium before the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies resume their rivalry at the new Allianz Stadium.

The second round will move to AAMI Park for Super Round Melbourne from March 3, with all six matches to be played across three blockbuster days.

The 2023 draw will see all 12 teams play 14 matches during the regular season before the finals kick off on June 9.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC 2023 SQUADS
ACT BRUMBIES

The ACT Brumbies will be looking to replace a host of experienced figures as they look to make a push to the Final.

Tom Banks moves overseas, joined by Irae Simone, Folau Fainga'a and Scott Sio.

Jack Debreczeni returns home to Australia after a stint overseas, having made his name with the Melbourne Rebels.

Meanwhile, exciting outside back Corey Toole makes the move from the seven-a-side game after a breakout season on the HSBC Sevens circuit.

Prop: Allan Alaalatoa, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Tom Ross, James Slipper, Harry Vella

Hooker: Billy Pollard, Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney 

Lock: Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain

Backrow: Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Rob Valetini 

Scrumhalves: Ryan Lonergan, Klayton Thorn, Nic White

Flyhalf: Jack Debreczeni, Noah Lolesio, Nathan Carroll

Centre: Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua

Outside backs: Declan Meredith, Jesse Mogg, Andy Muirhead, Ben O’Donnell, Corey Toole, Tom Wright 

IN: Declan Meredith, Charlie Cale, Harry Vella, Ben O’Donnell, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua

OUT: Scott Sio, Irae Simone, Tom Banks, Folau Fainga’a, Rod Iona, Lachie Albert, Cam Clark

MELBOURNE REBELS

The Melbourne Rebels continue to build under Kevin Foote, with Alex Mafi providing quality at the hooker position.

He is joined by Wallaby Sam Talakai and club cult hero Anaru Rangi as they look to push for the finals.

Monty Ioane returns home after establishing himself on the wing for Italy, joined by scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens

Captain Michael Wells is a big loss for 2023, joined by experienced duo Joe Powell and Matt To'omua.

Props: Jaiden Christian, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Gibbon, Isaac Kailea, Cameron Orr, Sam Talakai

Hookers: Theo Fourie, Alex Mafi, Anaru Rangi, Jordan Uelese

Locks:  Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Matt Philip, Tuiana Taii Tualima

Backrow: Richard Hardwick, Zac Hough, Tamati Ioane, Josh Kemeny, Rob Leota, Daniel Maiava, Brad Wilkin

Scrumhalves: Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Ryan Louwrens

Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste

Centres: David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lebron Naea, Ray Nu’u, Lukas Ripley, David Vaihu

Outside backs: Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Monty Ioane, Andrew Kellaway, Joe Pincus, Glen Vaihu, likena Vudogo

IN: Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Anaru Rangi, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Louwrens, Monty Ioane, Jaiden Christian, Theo Fourie, Zac Hough, David Feliuai, David Vaihu

OUT: Michael Wells, Sef Fa’agase, James Hanson, Efi Maafu, Ross Haylett-Petty, Young Tonumaipea, Jeral Skelton, Matt To’omua, Joe Powell, Josh Hill, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Nowlan, Divad Palu

NSW WARATAHS

Darren Coleman has added a host of experience to the NSW Waratahs, headlined by the return of Kurtley Beale.

Beale slots into a competitive back three, joined by hulking winger Nemani Nadolo.

Tolu Latu also returns from a stint in France with Stade Francais, adding Test experience to the Waratahs' already impressive hooker stocks.

Club stalwart Alex Newsome headlines the departures, joined by the retiring Jamie Roberts, Carlo Tizzano and Tom Horton.

Props: Angus Bell, Tiaan Taukipulu, Te Tera Faulkner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Tom Lambert, Archer Holz

Hookers: David Porecki, Mahe Vailanu, Tolu Latu

Locks: Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Zane Marolt, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen,

Backrow: Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Ned Hanigan, Langi Gleeson Charlie Gamble

Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Harrison Goddard, Teddy Wilson

Flyhalves: Will Harrison, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Jack Bowen

Centres: Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu

Outside Backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kurtley Beale, Dylan Pietsch, Nemani Nadolo, Harry Wilson, Ben Dowling, Max Jorgensen

IN: Kurtley Beale, Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Nemani Nadolo, Harrison Goddard, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, Zane Marolt, Max Jorgensen

OUT: Alex Newsome, Jeremy Williams, Jamie Roberts, Henry Robertson, Ruan Smith, Geoff Cridge, Tom Horton, Max Douglas, Hugh Bokenham, Carlo Tizzano, Jack Grant, James Ramm, Triston Reilly, Tevita Funa, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco.

QUEENSLAND REDS

Like last year, the Queensland Reds have kept a settled squad for 2023.

Luke Jones is the main inclusion, making his return from France to bolster their lock depth after the loss of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

He is joined by local products Connor Anderson and Phransis Sula-Siaosi, impressing after strong performances in the Queensland Premier Grade, with over 90% of the squad coming through the competition or Reds pathways.

Hamish Stewart makes the move west to the Force whilst Angus Scott-Young heads overseas to Northampton.

Props:  Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Taniela Tupou, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Phransis Sula-Siaosi 

Hookers: Richie Asiata, Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, George Blake

Locks: Angus Blyth, Lopeti Faifua, Ryan Smith, Luke Jones, Wilson Blyth, Connor Vest

Backrow: Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Connor Anderson, Keynan Tauakipulu

Scrumhalves: Spencer Jeans, Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas

Flyhalves: Lawson Creighton, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor

Centres: Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami

Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Mac Grealy, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey

IN: Luke Jones, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Connor Anderson

OUT: Feao Fotuaika, Alex Mafi, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Hamish Stewart

WESTERN FORCE

Simon Cron has added further quality to the Western Force, with Wallaby Folau Fainga'a switching from the Brumbies.

He is joined by former Rebels skipper Michael Wells and Reds playmaker Hamish Stewart.

Chase Tiatia heads across the Tasman after impressing with the Chiefs, forming an imposing partnership with Manasa Mataele.

Greg Holmes, Jeremy Thrush and Richard Kahui retired at the end of the 2022 season, with the likes of Byron Ralston, Kyle Godwin and Fergus Lee-Warner heading overseas.

Props: Angus Wagner, Bo Abra, Charlie Hancock, Santiago Medrano, Tom Robertson, Siosifa Amone, Andrew Romano

Hookers: Feleti Kaitu'u, Folau Fainga'a, Jack Winchester

Locks: Ryan McCauley, Izack Rodda, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Will Sankey. 

Backrow: Jackson Pugh, Kane Koteka, Michael Wells, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Ned Slack-Smith. 

Scrumhalves: Ian Prior, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Henry Robertson

Flyhalves: Reejan Pasitoa, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty

Centres: Bayley Kuenzle, Grason Makara, George Poolman, Oliver Cummins  

Outside backs: Chase Tiatia, Daniel Ala, Jake Strachan, Manasa Mataele, Toni Pulu, Reece Tapine, Rupeni Mataele  

IN: Chase Tiatia, Bryce Hegarty, Henry Robertson, Folau Fainga’a, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Sifa Amone, George Poolman, Andrew Romano, Rupeni Mataele, Ned Slack-Smith, Felix Kalapu, Charlie Hancock, Jackson Pugh, Oliver Cummins, Sam Spink, Wilton Rebolo

OUT: Greg Holmes, Jeremy Thrush, Richard Kahui, Brynard Stander, Kyle Godwin, Fergus Lee-Warner, Andrew Ready, Brad Lacey, Byron Ralston, Jack McGregor, Jake McIntyre, Michael McDonald, Sitaleki Timani, Harry Lloyd, Jackson Pugh.

FIJIAN DRUA

Olympic gold medalist Iosefo Masi headlines the new inclusions in the squad from their inaugural season, making his return after a stint in the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys.

The 24-year-old made the switch after the Tokyo Olympics, coming back in time to help Fiji to the Rugby Sevens World Cup in September.

He is joined by fellow Sevens World Cup winner Elia Canakaivata, adding vital backrow depth following the departure of Nemani Nagusa.

Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge bolsters their front row, joined by former Rebel Emosi Tuqiri and exciting centre Michael Naitokani.

Prop: Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Timoci Sauvoli, Samuela Tawake, Meli Tuni, Emosi Tuqiri, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa

Hooker: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama                 

Lock: Chris Minimbi, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele                            

Backrow: Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilive Miramira, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani                      

Scrumhalves: Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu                                 

Flyhalves: Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela       

Centres: Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Kalione Nasoko, Apisalome Vota

Outside backs: Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre 

BLUES

Patrick Tuipulotu is the big return for last season's grand finalists, returning from Japan.

They have added blindside flanker Rob Rush, son of former All Black and Sevens legend Eric, alongside prop Josh Fusitu’a and outside back Caleb Tangitau.

All Black Karl Tu’inukuafe leaves a significant void as he heads to France, whilst locks Josh Goodhue and Luke Romano depart the club

Props: Alex Hodgman, James Lay, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Nepo Laulala, Josh Fusitu’a

Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Soane Vikena, Ricky Riccitelli. 

Locks: James Tucker, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu.

Backrow: Cameron Suafoa, Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Rob Rush

Scrumhalves: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki. 

Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Harry Plummer. 

Centres: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tanielu Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans, Bryce Heem.

Outside backs: Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Stephen Perofeta, Zarn Sullivan.

IN: Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Fusitu’a, Rob Rush, Caleb Tangitau

OUTS: Karl Tu’inukuafe, Josh Goodhue, Luke Romano, Tamati Tua

CRUSADERS

The Crusaders have lost some experienced figures as they look to defend their title.

Pablo Matera and Bryn Hall have been picked up by Shizuoka Blues, whilst George Bridge opts to test his luck in France.

Pepesana Patafilo is a handy pick-up from the Hurricanes along with Christian Lio-Willie.

Props: Joe Moody, Oli Jager, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis  

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, George Bell

Locks: Scott Barrett, Quentin Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Zach Gallagher

Loose forwards: Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili Talitui, Cullen Grace, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Christian Lio-Willie

Scrumhalves: Mitch Drummond, Willie Hienz, Noah Hotham

Flyhalves Richie Mo’unga, Fergus Burke, Taha Kemara

Centres: Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod 

Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Macca Springer, Melani Nanai, Pepesana Patafilo.

IN: Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, George Bell, Pepesana Patafilo, Melani Nanai

OUT: Abraham Pole, Pablo Matera, Bryn Hall, Inga Finau, George Bridge, Shilo Klein, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Simon Hickey, Isaiah Punivai, Kini Naholo

CHIEFS

All Black Damian McKenzie is a major inclusion for the Chiefs after they were knocked out in the semi-finals.

This is coupled with the recruitment of Highlanders duo Ngantungane Punivai and Manaaki Selby-Rickit.

Chase Tiatia and Jonah Lowe depart to rival clubs whilst Kaleb Trask heads to Japan.

Props: Aidan Ross, Atunaisa Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Jared Proffit

Hookers: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Bradley Slater, Tyrone Thompson

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit

Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Pita Gus Sowakula, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau.

Scrumhalves: Brad Weber, Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima

Flyhalves: Bryn Gatland, Damian McKenzie, Josh Ioane.

Centres: Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling, Ngatungane Punivai.

Outside backs:  Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Rivez Reihana, Peniasi Malimali

IN: Damian McKenzie, George Dyer, Peniasi Malimali, Jared Proffit, Ngantungane Punivai, Manaaki Selby-Rickit

OUT: Chase Tiatia, Jonah Lowe, Kaleb Trask, Sione Mafileo, Reuben O’Neill, Mitchell Brown

HURRICANES

Kini Naholo and Brett Cameron headline the new signings for the Hurricanes as they retain the core of their squad.

Cameron makes his return from Japan as Naholo joins for Crusaders.

Wes Goosen departs for Edinburgh, joined by Blake Gibson and Caleb Delany.

Props: Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones. 

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Jacob Devery 

Locks: James Blackwell, Dom Bird, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Justin Sangster. 

Loose forwards: Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Tyler Laubscher, Devan Flanders, Caleb Delany, TK Howden, Peter Lakai*.

Scrumhalves: Jamie Booth, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard 

Flyhalves: Aidan Morgan, Ruben Love, Brett Cameron.

Centres: Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan. 

Outside backs: Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Daniel Sinkinson

IN: Brett Cameron, Riley Higgins, Peter Lakai, Kini Naholo, Dan Sinkinson

OUT: Alex Fidow, James O’Reilly, Leni Apasai, Tom Parsons, Scott Scrafton, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Teihorangi Walden, Wes Goosen, Blake Gibson, Caleb Delany, Pepesana Patafilo

HIGHLANDERS

Jonah Lowe provides a critical X-Factor for the Highlanders after heading south from the Chiefs.

Hooker Liam Coltman departs for Lyon, whilst Sio Tomkinson (Wales) and Bryn Evans' experience will be a major loss.

Props: Ayden Johnstone, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Luca Inch

Hookers:  Rhys Marshall, Andrew Makalio, Leni Apisai. 

Locks: Pari-Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Max Hicks, Will Tucker, Fabian Holland

Loose forwards: James Lentjes, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton.

Scrumhalves Aaron Smith, Folau Fakatava, James Arscott

Flyhalves: Marty Banks, Mitchell Hunt, Cameron Millar.

Centres: Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory, Josh Timu

Outside backs: Connor Garden-Bachop, Mosese Dawai, Vilimoni Koroi, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert.

IN: James Arscott, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Nikora Broughton, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker

OUT: Liam Coltman, Christian Lio-Willie, Kayne Hammington, Sio Tomkinson, Ngantungane Punivai, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Solomon Alaimalo, Bryn Evans, Sam Caird, Gareth Evans

MOANA PASIFIKA

Moana Pasifika have kept a settled squad in their quest for their first finals appearance.

Abraham Pole, Samuel Slade and Michael Curry join on full-time contracts, boosting the depth of their squad.

Henry Stowers is a major loss as he heads to Benetton whilst Solomone Kata has been picked up by Exeter.

Props: Sekope Kepu, Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikatoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua, Abraham Pole

Hookers: Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai

Locks: Mike McKee, Alex McRobbie, Samuel Slade

Loose Forwards: Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga, Michael Curry

Scrumhalves: Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea

Flyhalves: Christian Lealifano, D’Angelo Leuila, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili

Centres: Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi

Outside Backs: Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga’anuku, Anzelo Tuituvuki

Share
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham
'It's pretty hard to leave an environment like this': Jorgensen eager to commit future to Waratahs
'I'll always play on the edge': Wright looking to find attacking balance with new-look Brumbies attack
Hooper to debut for Australia Sevens in Hong Kong