Nine transfers that would spice up Super Rugby in 2023

The pending conclusion of the Super Rugby season will have coaches (armchair or otherwise) looking at gaps in their squads and how they can be filled.

Without central contracting in the Australian system, teams have been able to warehouse talent to some extent.

While this obviously provides depth to the stronger sides, it can deprive quality players of regular game time.

The most obvious example this year was the Brumbies with three Wallabies-capped hookers and a fourth with the potential to overtake the lot.

Folau Fainga’a has already signed with the Force, so here’s a few other hypothetical player shuffles (some more realistic than others!) that would make for an interesting 2023.

Connal McInerney to the Rebels
Capped for the Wallabies last year, including a memorable try on debut against Japan, McInerney didn’t see much first-team action at the Brumbies this year.

A solid provincial player who was probably lucky to make the Wallabies, he would make a very handy addition to support Jordan Uelese at the Rebels with James Hanson moving on.

The Brumbies would still have two quality hookers in Lachlan Lonergan and Billy Pollard – both of whom would benefit from more game time.

Hunter Paisami to the Brumbies
The Reds are well stocked in the back line with capped Wallabies in James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, and Filipo Daugunu or established squad members with potential for higher honours in Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook and Hamish Stewart.

(Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

That’s eight players for six starting spots. So one or two could consider moving on for more game time.

Although unlikely, Paisami could shift to the Brumbies to fill the 12 vacancy left by Irae Simone and provide the opportunity to build powerful centre pairing with Len Ikitau.

Filipo Daugunu to the Brumbies
A strong, fast winger who didn’t see much game time this year (partly through injury) is another who could make a move away from Queensland to avoid the back-line squeeze.

The Brumbies have lacked a power winger since Toni Pulu left for the Force and Solomone Kata went to Moana. With Tom Banks gone, Tom Wright may move to fullback permanently, opening up vacancy for Daugunu on the wing.

Lachlan Swinton to the Force
The Waratahs’ enforcer missed most of the year with injury, allowing several other players to cement starting positions in the Waratahs.

Charlie Gamble is one of the first picked and with Ned Hanigan back filling a five or six role that Swinton has performed in the past, a move to the Force would see him replace Fergus Lee-Warner, who is moving overseas.

Liam Wright to the Rebels
A similar predicament to the outside backs at the Reds, the loose forwards are very well stocked.

It’s hard to imagine the Reds’ captain moving interstate, but with Seru Uru, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson performing so well, a move might provide him the regular game time he needs to try and force his way into the World Cup squad.

Plus his leadership would be a huge addition to the Rebels.

Reece Hodge to the Brumbies
This one is a little left field, but for a player who has never quite cashed in on his potential or extended opportunities, a move away from the Rebels might just re-invigorate his career and help him nail down the Wallabies’ fullback position.

(Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

With Banks moving on, there is a lot of upside to Hodge moving to an organisation renowned for getting the very best out of players. He would obviously be a big loss to the Rebels, but for his own development it might just be for the best.

Will Harrison to the Reds
The Reds desperately need more depth at flyhalf and with Tane Edmed and Ben Donaldson performing well at the Waratahs, a move north for Harrison would give him the mentorship from O’Connor with a view to taking over the ten jersey post-World Cup.

That would leave us with Noah Lolesio at the Brumbies, Reesjan Pasitoa at the Force, Carter Gordon at the Rebels, Edmed or Donaldson at the Tahs and Harrison at the Reds.

Scott Sio to Force or the Rebels
Without the money in the salary cap to keep Sio, the Brumbies unfortunately have to say goodbye to a long-term stalwart.

He hasn’t announced his future yet, but his form improved a lot this year so a move to either of the expansion clubs would be boost and provide mentorship to up-and-coming props.

Samu Kerevi to anywhere!
Currently playing in Japan but towards the end of his contract, it would be great to repatriate Kerevi, which would also open up a spot for a foreign player pick in the Wallabies.

(Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)

The Reds would be the obvious destination, but any of the Australian sides would improve with him on their books.

With Irae Simone leaving the Brumbies, however, they are a side without a clear replacement at 12 for next season so he would fit in nicely.

The Force are the other side that could accommodate him, but their ten-12 combination in Pasitoa and Bayley Kuenzle is worth persisting with.

Obviously most of these will never happen, but there is plenty of opportunity for more creative collaboration between the Australian squads.

Next we just need to find some cash to bring more players home, re-institute a third-tier competition then support and expand the grassroots game and all of Rugby Australia’s problems are solved!