Super Rugby teams in New Zealand will be able to sign up to 12 players to an expanded training squad in 2026 as part of a revamp to the current development system, as revealed by NZR.
The 12 additional squad members will form a ‘wider training group’ which comes with restrictions. The WTG players will train with the top squad all season but will be unable to play Super Rugby Pacific unless injury strikes to a player in their position.
The 12 players that make up the ‘shadow XV’ will also play games in a new development competition between the New Zealand franchises, preparing players to make the leap to Super Rugby Pacific within one to two years.
Bok star Libbie Janse van Rensburg on that iconic 15-player line-out
Bok star Libbie Janse van Rensburg on that iconic 15-player line-out
The new development competition succeeds the Super Rugby U20 competition, which will no longer operate.
Crusaders academy players Eli Oudenryn and James Cameron who have been signed to the Blues are two examples of young talent who will form part of the WTG squad.
There is set to be a draft process between the clubs to fill out their WTG squads, with some restrictions; each club can protect six players from within their regions.
Pre-draft recruitment is possible and has already begun for some of the top prospects, with Oudenryn’s move to the Blues one example.
It is expected that WTG players will have provincial deals also which makes an attractive prospect for young prospects to kickstart their professional careers.
Super Rugby squads for New Zealand’s clubs will officially be announced on November 6.