“It’s not only been a process over the NPC, but it started back in January around trying to look at the areas of the squad that needed reinforcements.
Jordie Barrett will be back with the Hurricanes as they look to defend their Super Rugby crown. Photo / Photosport
“I think we’ve done a really good job on that with the coaches and Tom Kindley, our GM [general manager] rugby, in terms of filling the gaps and bringing in some youth as we look to the future, as well as some players who are Super Rugby-ready.
“We feel like the balance we’ve managed to get in the main squad allows us to continue to play and prepare well with experience, as well as having an eye to the future.
“It’s good to get the squad done and now we get into the final preparations for pre-season as we look to welcome the new and returning Hurricanes back in November.”
The Hurricanes beat the Chiefs in the 2026 Super Rugby grand final to win their first title in a decade. Photo / Photosport
Meanwhile, the Highlanders have named their side to take on the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with Ethan De Groot, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Fabian Holland bringing plenty of test experience.
Josh Jacomb joins their ranks, as does Shannon Frizell on his return from Japan, with Argentine Tomás Lavanini and Fijian Joseva Tamani bringing further international experience to the Highlanders.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said there is healthy competition among several positions this season.
Ethan de Groot (left) recently re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and will stay at the Highlanders until 2029. Photo / Photosport
“The important thing for us is we’re not starting again,” Joseph said.
“A lot of these young guys have now had exposure to Super Rugby, we’ve been able to keep them together and we’ve added some quality and experience around them.
“The challenge now is turning that into performance. It has been really pleasing to see players from our environment get opportunities at the next level.
“Timoci has continued to grow as a player and leader, and Saula [Benét Kumeroa Saula Ma’u] has worked incredibly hard for his opportunity.
“Getting Shannon back and having Fabian available again is important as well. It adds experience and quality to the group and creates more competition for places.
“Halfback is another good example of that competition, Folau [Fakatava] has played at the highest level and we know what he can bring, while Dylan [Pledger] and Adam [Lennox] are young players who are continuing to develop and push hard for opportunities.
“We don’t want players waiting for their turn. We want them putting pressure on each other and making selection difficult for us. That’s how the whole group gets better.”
Caleb Clarke returns to the Blues in 2027. Photo / Photosport
The Blues are headlined by All Blacks captain Ardie Savea as coach Jason Holland takes the reins from Vern Cotter.
Rieko Ioane returns from Leinster to join a midfield featuring Zarn Sullivan, Xavi Taele, Leo Gordon and James Cameron, while Pita Ahki will stay on the sidelines beyond the start of the season after rupturing his Achilles.
Holland was confident he had a talented group to work with and complemented Savea’s abilities.
“Ardie is one of the best players in the world, but what excites me just as much is what he brings to the group – his energy, his standards and the way he connects with people,” Holland said.
“Our young loosies will learn a huge amount just by being around him every day.”
Damian McKenzie’s impressive form has made him an important member of Dave Rennie’s All Blacks squad. Photo / Photosport
The Chiefs will aim to go one step further in 2027 after being dominated by the Hurricanes in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific grand final, with coach Jono Gibbes keen to build on the groundwork laid last year.
“There’s a lot to be excited about in this group,” Gibbes said.
“We’ve got players who understand this club and what it means to represent our people, as well as new faces bringing their own experiences.”
New faces in the squad include Richard Judd, who has spent time in Japan and the US, All Blacks Sevens player Frank Vaenuki and Tongan international Paula Latu.
Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown will link up in the midfield again, with Tupou Vaa’i looking to reach his 100th cap for the club this season while the versatile Damian McKenzie will hope to take his strong form with the All Blacks into the Super season.
Will Jordan provides plenty of experience for the Crusaders as they enter the 2027 Super Rugby season. Photo / Photosport
Crusaders fans will see plenty of change this season, including at coach, with Scott Hansen returning to Christchurch after stints at the club as a player and assistant coach.
There is still plenty of continuity in the side, with Fletcher Newell, George Bower and Codie Taylor providing experience in the front row, while Scott Barrett leads a group of locks including Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill and Liam Jack.
A new captain hasn’t been selected yet, but Hansen said he believed the squad was filled with players keen to make their mark on the competition.
“We’ve got a great mix of experience, guys who have been successful here before and a blend of younger players who will be hungry for their opportunity,” the new coach said.
“Our challenge now is to bring that together.
“There’s a lot to look forward to in 2027 and a lot of work to do, we want our people to feel part of what we’re building and proud to come on that journey with us.”
All Blacks Chay Fihaki and Will Jordan lead the outside backs, Richie Mo’unga has earned a place as a first five-eighths and Frenchman Clément Castets is available for selection until Tamaiti Williams returns from injury.
Hurricanes squad
Props: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Tito Tuipulotu, Rohan Wingham
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Vernon Bason, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu
Locks: Alefosio Aho, Caleb Delany, Dylan Eti, Hunter Morrison, Hugo Plummer
Loose forwards: Oliver Haig, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Halfbacks: Bryn Hall, Cam Roigard, Jordi Viljoen
First five-eighths: Brett Cameron, Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love
Midfielders: Tāmiro Armstrong, Jordie Barrett, Heremaia Murray, Billy Proctor, Jone Rova
Outside backs: Josh Gray, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngane Punivai
Highlanders squad
Props: Jermaine Ainsley, Josh Bartlett, Ethan De Groot, Benét Kumeroa Saula Ma’u, Jack Sexton, Angus Ta’avao
Hookers: Henry Bell, Ioane Moananu, Jack Taylor
Locks: Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Tomás Lavanini, Josh Tengblad
Loose forwards: Nikora Broughton, Lucas Casey, Shannon Frizell, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Joseva Tamani, Will Stodart, Sean Withy
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Adam Lennox, Dylan Pledger
First five-eighths: Josh Jacomb, Mika Muliaina, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfielders: Meihana Grindlay, Reesjan Pasitoa, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Josh Whaanga
Outside backs: Finn Hurley, Jona Nareki, Stanley Solomon, Caleb Tangitau, Tuna Tuitama, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Blues squad
Props: Ben Ake, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Mason Tupaea, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Flyn Yates
Hookers: James Mullan, Eli Oudenryn, Bradley Slater
Locks: Josh Beehre, Tristyn Cook, Sam Darry, Jack Lee, Patrick Tuipulotu
Loose forwards: Torian Barnes, Cam Christie, Che Clark, Jed Melvin, Ardie Savea, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Taufa Funaki, Nic Shearer
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Cam Millar, Rico Simpson
Midfielders: Pita Ahki, James Cameron, Leo Gordon, Rieko Ioane, Zarn Sullivan, Xavi Taele
Outside backs: Kade Banks, Caleb Clarke, Darby Lancaster, Payton Spencer, Rory Taylor, Cody Vai
Chiefs squad
Props: George Dyer, Paula Latu, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tevita Mafileo, Ollie Norris, Jared Proffit
Hookers: Taine Kolose, Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jai Knight, Josh Lord, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Tupou Vaa’i, Aisake Vakasiuola
Loose forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson, Corey Kellow, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi
Halfbacks: Richard Judd, Cortez Ratima, Charlie Sinton
First five-eighths: Tepaea Cook-Savage, Taha Kemara, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders: Kyle Brown, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea
Outside backs: Leroy Carter, Isaac Hutchinson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Sinkinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Frank Vaenuku
Crusaders squad
Props: Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Seb Calder, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Clément Castets
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Manumaua Letiu, George Bell
Locks: Liam Jack, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett
Loose forwards: Xavier Saifoloi, Ethan Blackadder, Dominic Gardiner, Xavier Treacy, Christian Lio-Willie, Finn McLeod, Oli Mathis, Johnny Lee
Halfbacks: Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond
First five-eighths: Rivez Reihana, James White, Richie Mo’unga
Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi, Corey Evans, Toby Bell, Cooper Roberts, Leicester Fainga’anuku
Outside backs: Johnny McNicholl, Kurtis MacDonald, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan