2 weeks Ago By The Roar
The demise of the Melbourne Rebels and the reduction of Australian Super Rugby Pacific teams to four has seen a considerable shakeup in the player stocks for the surviving clubs. In this evolving article The Roar will track player signing and departure news as it happens before the Super Rugby squads are confirmed in early 2025. (Note the 2024 squads listed below were those with which the clubs began last season, not the squads they had at the finish.
New squads will be announced early in 2025) LATEST Former Melbourne Rebels skipper and Australia A flanker Brad Wilkin has signed to play in Major League Rugby in the US after a frustrating injury stretch scuppered his chances of a Super Rugby move. Wilkin will join the San Diego Legion – joining former Aussie sevens coach John Manenti in his new gig. If wondering where Brad Wilkin was heading.
#SanDiego pic.twitter.com/RNm498swkY The Queensland Reds have signed Wilkin’s former Rebel teammate Rebels youngster Mason Gordon.
The brother of code-hopping ex-Wallaby Carter played his schools rugby at Brisbane Boys College and played for the Junior Wallabies in 2022 and 2023 before making his Super Rugby debut this year and playing five times for the doomed franchise. He can cover No.10 and No.
15 and the Reds have a fresh vacancy in 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 said. “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 outside back who has been trialling with the club, had signed a two-year deal. The former Australian Schoolboys Rugby Team member previously played 26 Super Rugby games for the Reds after debuting in 2021, having won the Club’s U20s Player of the Year in 2020.
He started 11 Super Rugby games last season before shifting west. “I’m really excited to be joining the Force for the next two seasons,” Grealy said in a statement. “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 said he’d long been an admirer of Grealy and was thrilled to bring 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 said.
“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 along with internationally capped hooker Nic Dolly, Divad Palu, Josh Thompson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Sio Tomkinson and Matt Proctor ahead of the 2025 season. Meanwhile Lachlan Hooper, the brother of Wallabies forward Tom, is one of four Brumbies youngsters promoted to the club’s Super Rugby squad. Kadin Pritchard, who has signed a three-year contract until the end of 2027, joins Shane Wilcox, Hooper and Tevita Alatini, who are on one season deals.
Hooper, who played for the Australia Under 20s last year, is similar in stature to his older brother Tom. “We had heaps of busts up when I was growing up,” Tom Hooper told 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 club’s U19s Grand Final man of the match and captain last year but missed 2024 through injury. Former Wallabies star James O’Connor has extended his Super Rugby Pacific career by shifting to New Zealand and signing a one-year deal with the Crusaders. The ex-Queensland Reds playmaker knocked back a contract to remain at Ballymore next season, where injuries had relegated him to a mentoring role in 2024.
The Crusaders announced on October 10 he had signed for 2025 to play under 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 said in a statement. “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 overcome the loss of superstar Richie Mo’unga, who is playing in Japan, missing the finals this season. STATE OF PLAY There has been significant movement among the Australian franchises with the carve up of the Rebels list ongoing. The Waratahs, who have a new incoming coach in Dan McKellar, have signed several big names including Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway.
On September 9 they announced a week of signing news – starting with the naming of six newcomers (see the Tahs section below). A day later the Reds announced their flyhalf Lawson Creighton would be leaving to the Waratahs despite the club wanting him to stay. Finally, at the end of the week, it would be announced that Wallaby Dylan Pietsch will depart the Waratahs, signing a multi-year contract with the Western Force – despite reports the move was blocked by Rugby Australia.
Welcome to NSW Lawson Creighton ???? Look out for more player signing news tomorrow morning ???? Register your membership interest now: https://t.co/xJRNejSOmP pic.twitter.
com/uYj4NiPEJU The Reds have also beefed up with the arrival of Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and winger Filipo Daugunu. On September 12 the club said goodbye to another flyhalf, with veteran James O’Connor opting to head overseas. And on September 17 the club confirmed to The Roar that former Under 20 Australia back Taj Annan, who played five Super Rugby games last season before injury, is leaving the Reds.
It has been reported that Annan, 21, will be joining Newcastle Knights in the NRL. There has been plenty of change at the Western Force as well with Darcy Swain crossing over from the Brumbies and Brandon Paenga-Amosa returning from France. On September 11 they announced the signing of one-game All Black centre Matt Proctor, who was at the Rebels in 2024.
So far, the Brumbies are keeping their powder relatively dry, although they have signed two ex-Rebels as well as promoting four junior stars, including Lachlan Hooper. There has also been significant movement overseas so far, with the likes of Wallabies Izack Rodda, Izzy Perese, Ned Hanigan and Lachie Swinton packing their bags for new adventures. Add to that Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili who has signed a one-year deal to join New Zealand-based franchise Moana Pasifika after leaving the Rebels.
He has fallen significantly 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 but will look to bank on a stable squad. The biggest losses are forwards Darcy Swain to the Force and Jahrome Brown, who is expected to move home 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) (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images) 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 Loose 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 Outside backs: Tom Wright, Corey Toole, Ben O’Donnell, Andy Muirhead NSW Waratahs There has been a huge upheaval at Daceyville. Early attention will be on code-hopper Joseph Suaalii in his transition from the Roosters while the addition of Andrew Kellaway and Darby Lancaster from the Rebels should help ease the pain of losing Mark Nawaqanitawase to rugby league.
The influx of talented back-three and centre options has also meant several players have departed to make way – most recently two-test Wallaby Dylan Pietsch, who has made the journey across the Nullarbor to sign a multi-year deal with the Western Force – a move that will likely prove mutually beneficial, giving the talented winger more game time while freeing up options for Dan McKellar, and despite reports the RA reported attempted to block the move. They added three more ex-Rebels to the list along with three more players in a single day. Prop Siosifa Amone and outside back Henry O’Donnell return home 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 games), O’Donnell (5 games), Smith (20 games) and Dobbins (6 games) all arrive with Super Rugby Pacific experience under their belts, while O’Donnell and Talataina represented the Junior Wallabies last year. Meanwhile Australian-born lock Ben Grant is back on home soil after spending the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, preceded by two years with the San Diego Legion. Joseph Suaalii is tackled.
(Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) 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 (Nice), Archer Holz (Scarlets), Theo Fourie, Vuate Kurawalevu The Waratahs would like to farewell and thank one of our greats, #1601 Jed Holloway, for his incredible years of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the sky blue jersey. Your hard work, heart, and passion have left a lasting legacy at the club ???? pic.
twitter.com/bbQExvpxLJ 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. Loose 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. Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Vuate Karawalevu.
Queensland Reds Club veteran James O’Connor has opted to leave for an opportunity overseas after five years with the club. “These last five years a have been the highlight of my rugby career,” O’Connor said. “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 said: “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 side an injection of class while being able to keep happy their existing stars. They are shaping to give the competition a decent tilt under Kiss.
One to watch is Jordan Petaia, who is yet to commit his future for next season. They did however lose flyhalf Lawson Creighton to the Tahs and Mac Grealy to the Force. Creighton, 26, played 34 games for the Queensland Reds since his debut in 2021, including nine appearances in 2024.
“We would have loved Lawson to stay,” Kiss said. “He has been an excellent and valued figure for the Reds over a number of seasons. We fully respect his decision.
” The club is also losing Taj Annan, with his destination expected to be the Newcastle Knights. Taj Annan of the Reds. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) 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 Red 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 Loose 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 Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey, Mac Grealy, Tim Ryan Welcome to the wingers circle, Dylan Pietsch ???? The Wallabies winger will join the Force after a strong 2024 SRP campaign with the NSW Waratahs, boasting four tries in 12 appearances ????0 Read more about his exciting signing to the Force ???? https://t.co/uKA8CV63yB Western Force The Force recruitment department has been flat out with a significant changing of the guard.
Former Reds outside back Mac Grealy is the latest name on their list. Grealy’s signing follows the recruitment of Wallabies Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Darcy Swain along with internationally capped hooker Nic Dolly, Divad Palu, Josh Thompson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Sio Tomkinson and Matt Proctor ahead of the 2025 season. Tomkinson spent the past two seasons playing with Welsh club Dragons RFC in the United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Challenge Cup.
Tomkinson scored six tries in his 24 appearances for the Dragons. Tomkinson also brings Super Rugby experience, having played 43 times for the Highlanders from 2017 to 2022, scoring 14 tries. There will be a lot of interest in the performance of Dolly, who won a cap for England but is a possible future Wallaby, having come from down under.
They added one-game All Black Proctor to their backline stocks. Proctor will join the Force after previous stints with the Melbourne Rebels (2024), Northampton Saints (2019-2023) and the Hurricanes (2013-2019) where he was part of their 2016 Super Rugby triumph. The 31-year-old back played for the All Blacks in November 2018 against Japan, scoring on debut.
He also notched 12 caps for the Maori All Blacks between 2013 and 2018. The Force also promoted 2024 Rising Star winner Henry Robertson to a full Super Rugby contract with the club on a two-year deal. He will replace Ian Prior in the scrum half-stocks.
The 24-year-old half-back had joined the Force in 2023, getting game time in the Toyota Challenge against the Cheetahs, before playing two games on an injury cover contract in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Robertson previously played six Super Rugby games for the NSW Waratahs, having originally hailed from Shute Shield outfit Sydney University. Nic Dolly (Photo by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images) 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 Loose 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 Outside backs: Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Chase Tiatia, George Poolman Blues Beauden Barrett returns from a season in Japan and is joined by exciting flyhalf prospect Payton Spencer, the son of All Blacks great Carlos Spencer. Payton was previously contracted to the NZ Sevens program. The club has also signed a Sevens team 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 Loose 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 Outside 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 Loose 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 Outside 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 Strange, Tahlor Cahill, Zach Gallagher, Jamie Hannah Loose 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 Outside 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 Loose 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 Outside 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 (Green Rockets), Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Rhys Patchell (Green Rockets), Josh Timu (Otago), Martin Bodago (Oyonnax), Connor Garden-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 Loose 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 Outside backs: Martin Bogado, Connor Garden-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 Loose 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 Outside backs: Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Salesi Rayasi, Daniel Sinkinson Moana Pasifika The big signing is the addition of All Blacks super star Ardie Savea who should give the team a massive boost. They also added former Rebels and Hurricanes flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop who arrives after a season in France. Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili, who fell out of favour with the Rebels last season and was drafted into the Waratahs as an injury replacement, has signed a one-year deal.
Ins: Ardie Savea (Kobe Steelers), Melani Matavao (promoted), Tuna Tuitama (promoted), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry), Jackson Garden-Bachop (CA Brive), Pone Fa’amausili (Rebels) Outs: Sekope Kepu (retired), Tevita Langi (North Harbour), Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Henry Taefu (Red 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.
Loose 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, Fine Inisi, Henry Taefu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo. Outside backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Danny Toala, Julian Savea, Neria Fomai, Nigel Ah Wong, Otumaka Mausia, Viliami Fine. 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).
.
