\u201cIt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Jordie Barrett will be back with the Hurricanes as they look to defend their Super Rugby crown. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019ve 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel like the balance we\u2019ve managed to get in the main squad allows us to continue to play and prepare well with experience<\/a>, as well as having an eye to the future.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Highlanders have named their side to take on the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, with Ethan De Groot<\/a>, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Fabian Holland bringing plenty of test experience.<\/p>\n Josh Jacomb joins their ranks<\/a>, as does Shannon Frizell<\/a> on his return from Japan, with Argentine Tom\u00e1s Lavanini and Fijian Joseva Tamani bringing further international experience to the Highlanders. <\/p>\n Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said there is healthy competition among several positions this season. <\/p>\n \u201cThe important thing for us is we\u2019re not starting again,\u201d Joseph said. <\/p>\n \u201cA lot of these young guys have now had exposure to Super Rugby, we\u2019ve been able to keep them together and we\u2019ve added some quality and experience around them. <\/p>\n \u201cThe challenge now is turning that into performance. It has been really pleasing to see players from our environment get opportunities at the next level. <\/p>\n \u201cTimoci has continued to grow as a player and leader, and Saula [Ben\u00e9t Kumeroa Saula Ma\u2019u] has worked incredibly hard for his opportunity. <\/p>\n \u201cGetting 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. <\/p>\n \u201cHalfback 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. <\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t want players waiting for their turn. We want them putting pressure on each other and making selection difficult for us. That\u2019s how the whole group gets better.\u201d <\/p>\n The Blues are headlined by All Blacks captain Ardie Savea<\/a> as coach Jason Holland takes the reins<\/a> from Vern Cotter. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Holland was confident he had a talented group to work with and complemented Savea\u2019s abilities.<\/p>\n \u201cArdie<\/a> is one of the best players in the world, but what excites me just as much is what he brings to the group \u2013 his energy, his standards and the way he connects with people,\u201d Holland said.<\/p>\n \u201cOur young loosies will learn a huge amount just by being around him every day.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, with coach Jono Gibbes keen to build on the groundwork laid last year.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to be excited about in this group,\u201d Gibbes said. <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got players who understand this club and what it means to represent our people, as well as new faces bringing their own experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown will link up in the midfield again, with Tupou Vaa\u2019i 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. <\/p>\n Crusaders fans will see plenty of change this season, including at coach, with Scott Hansen returning to Christchurch<\/a> after stints at the club as a player and assistant coach.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nThe Hurricanes beat the Chiefs in the 2026 Super Rugby grand final to win their first title in a decade. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Ethan de Groot (left) recently re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and will stay at the Highlanders until 2029. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Caleb Clarke returns to the Blues in 2027. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Damian McKenzie’s impressive form has made him an important member of Dave Rennie’s All Blacks squad. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Will Jordan provides plenty of experience for the Crusaders as they enter the 2027 Super Rugby season. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n