The 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season is set to kick off with the unveiling of team squads for this highly anticipated tournament. This year marks the competition's 31st anniversary, and as teams prepare, they are also looking ahead to the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Excitement in the Air
With the Hurricanes carrying the crown from the previous season, all teams are gearing up to dethrone last year’s champions. The rosters are a mix of seasoned players and promising newcomers eager to leave their mark during the competition.
Notable Squads and Players
The Fijian Drua are showcasing an impressive line-up with 29 capped Flying Fijians, including significant new signings such as Ben Volavola, Leone Nakarawa, and Isi Naisarani. Enthusiasm is high as they also introduce several new faces into their squad, all while emphasizing local talent through their development program.
Brad Mooar takes the reins as head coach, bringing along seasoned coach Mike Catt OBE as his senior assistant, responsible for backs and attacking strategies.
Fijian Drua Roster:
- Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Sairusi Ravudi, Harold Rounds, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Mesake Doge
- Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau
- Locks: Leone Nakarawa, Meli Derenalagi, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Manueli Ratuniyarawa
- Loose Forwards: Isi Naisarani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Josefa Namosimalua
- Scrum-Halves: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Philip Baselala
- Fly-Halves: Ben Volavola, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini
- Midfield: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Iosefo Namoce
- Back Three: Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Joji Nasova, Manasa Mataele, Isikeli Rabitu, Isikeli Basiyalo, Nacani Boginisoko
Defending Champions Keep Core Group
The Hurricanes return most of the squad that dominated the field in 2026. They have enhanced their line-up by bringing in exciting new talent from the NPC, while retaining a powerhouse starting team featuring 13 current All Blacks and adding veteran player Brad Shields.
New additions like scrumhalf Bryn Hall and former Highlanders player Oliver Haig underscore their strategic focus, aiming to maintain their impressive playing style and depth in the loose forwards’ position.
Hurricanes Roster:
- Props: Siale Lauaki, Pasilio Tosi, Tyrel Lomax, Tito Tuipulotu, Xavier Numia, Rohan Wingham
- Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Vernon Bason, Raymond Tuputupu
- Locks: Alefosio Aho, Hunter Morrison, Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Dylan Eti
- Loose Forwards: Oliver Haig, Arese Poliko, Brayden Iose, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Peter Lakai
- Scrum-Halves: Bryn Hall, Jordi Viljoen, Cam Roigard
- Fly-Halves: Brett Cameron, Ruben Love, Harry Godfrey
- Midfield: Tamiro Armstrong, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Jone Rova, Heremaia Murray
- Back Three: Josh Gray, Josh Moorby, Fehi Fineanganofo, Kini Naholo, Callum Harkin, Ngane Punivai
As fans gear up for the action, they can catch every match live via Stan Sport, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the electrifying plays and intense rivalries that the Super Rugby Pacific season consistently delivers.
