The Super Rugby Pacific scene is gearing up for the 2027 season as New Zealand's clubs have unveiled their wider training groups (WTG). This year marks a significant milestone, as the draft was opened to media scrutiny for the first time, shedding light on the promising young players joining the ranks.
Draft Process Overview
The WTG draft, now in its third edition, allows each team to secure six players during the NPC season, with the opportunity to fill the remaining slots through the draft. The Highlanders confirmed three players prior to the deadline, while the Crusaders locked in four, necessitating a staggered draft start to balance team selections.
The draft began at round 4 for teams like the Highlanders that had not filled their initial six-player roster. For teams that had not registered any pre-draft signings, such as the Highlanders who selected their fourth player first, they would begin at round 1. The Crusaders entered the draft in round 5, and the rest of the teams joined in round 7.
Player Selection Rules
There are no specific regional quotas for player selection, but preference is given to players' home teams if they are chosen by multiple clubs in the same round. This year, the rules were tested when the Highlanders aimed to select Jae Broomfield, only to be denied because they had not yet filled other required positions. Ultimately, Broomfield was picked up by the Crusaders.
Each club must cover key positions including loosehead prop, hooker, tighthead prop, lock, loose forward, halfback, first five, midfield, and outside back before drafting additional players in any position.
Initial Signings and Draft Highlights
Highlighting their strategic moves, the Blues, Crusaders, Hurricanes, Chiefs, and Highlanders filled their rosters through both pre-draft signings and the draft effectively:
Blues: Esilie Fono (loosehead prop), Leka Tu’ungafasi (tighthead prop), Cohen Norie (first five), Cam Howell (first five), Tom Barham (midfield), Harlyn Saunoa (outside back)Chiefs: Keightley Watson (tighthead prop), JJ Pokai (hooker), Rui Farrant (halfback), Andrew Knewstubb (first five), Haki Wiseman (midfield), Nathan Stephens (outside back)
Hurricanes: Logan Wallace (tighthead prop), Matolu Petaia (lock), Jai Tamati (halfback), Will Cole (first five), Gary Basson (midfield), Lukas Ripley (outside back)
Crusaders: Monu Moli (loosehead prop), Gus Brown (tighthead prop), Max Fale (lock), Jake Frost (lock)
Highlanders: Kieran McClea (halfback), Austin Anderson (midfield), Sam Nemec-Vial (outside back)
The draft proceeded with Round 4 marked by the Highlanders’ selection of Senita Lauaki (loose forward). The Crusaders then picked Jayden Henderson (hooker) in Round 5, while the Highlanders seized Ben Lopas (loosehead prop).
As the selections continued, the Blues picked Sam Tuitupou (loose forward) and the Chiefs focused on acquiring key positions like William Martin (loosehead prop) and Mosese Bason (loose forward). Meanwhile, both the Highlanders and Hurricanes opted out early, finalizing their groups with fewer than twelve players.
Final Training Group Line-ups
After the completion of the draft, here are the finalized WTG line-ups for each club:
- Blues: Esilie Fono, Leka Tu’ungafasi, Cohen Norie, Cam Howell, Tom Barham, Harlyn Saunoa, Sam Tuitupou, Jordan Hutchings, Tevita Tatafu, Tyson Belworthy, Riley Tofilau, Caleb Woodley
- Chiefs: Keightley Watson, JJ Pokai, Rui Farrant, Andrew Knewstubb, Haki Wiseman, Nathan Stephens, William Martin, Mosese Bason, Michael Naitokani, Dallas Rata-Makene, Samu Tawake, Kurene Luamanuvae
- Hurricanes: Logan Wallace, Matolu Petaia, Jai Tamati, Will Cole, Garouw Basson, Lukas Ripley, Patrick Mauga, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Taniela Filimone, Waisake Salabiau, Johnny Falloon
- Crusaders: Monu Moli, Gus Brown, Max Fale, Jake Frost, Jayden Henderson, Konrad Toleafoa, Joel Lam, Jae Broomfield, Cooper Grant, Aaron Gibbes, Vea Taumoefolau, Logan Williams
- Highlanders: Kieran McClea, Austin Anderson, Sam Nemec-Vial, Senita Lauaki, Ben Lopas, Solomone Tukuafu, Reuben Allen, Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, Nicholas Sauira, Phoenix Abbott
The wide training groups reflect not only the strategic planning of the clubs but also their commitment to nurturing the next wave of rugby talent as the anticipation builds for another exciting season.
