Super Rugby Pacific Transfer Centre: EVERY squad CONFIRMED for 2023 season

By Tony Harper / Editor

With the international rugby season at an end it’s time for a quick pause before the return of the Super Rugby Pacific season in February 2023.

All 12 teams have now confirmed their squads after the announcement of the Queensland Reds on Thursday.

Here’s how the teams will line up in 2023.

ACT Brumbies

The ACT Brumbies have a new/old name and a new/old coach in Stephen Larkham, who has spoken about bringing a more attacking brand of rugby back to Canberra. They have lost Wallabies front rowers Scott Sio and Folau Fainga’a and backs Irae Simone and Tom Banks.

Flyhalf Jack Debreczeni, centre Tamati Tua and outside-back Ben O’Donnell are the three new faces to Larkham’s squad, with six Brumbies pathways products being promoted into the club’s senior squad. Corey Toole also returns from rugby sevens.

Larkham said: “We’re really pleased with the makeup of the squad and it’s great to have the majority of the group returning including the six pathways boys who all trained full-time last season.”
 
“When you look at the squad, there’s genuine competition for places and depth in key positions, so everyone will need to earn selection week to week which is what you need to be successful.
 
“We want this group to belong to our ACT community, we want to make heroes out of these players and I think with the broad range of backgrounds, the journeys these players have been on to be at our club, it’s a squad that we believe the capital region will get behind.”
 

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Tom Ross, James Slipper, Harry Vella

Hookers: Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney, Billy Pollard

Locks: Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain

Backrow: Jahrome Brown, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Charlie Cale

Halfbacks: Ryan Lonergan, Nic White, Klayton Thorn

Flyhalves: Noah Lolesio, Jack Debreczeni, Nathan Carroll

Centres: Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua

Outside backs: Jesse Mogg, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright, Declan Meredith, Ben O’Donnell, Corey Toole

INS: Declan Meredith, Charlie Cale, Harry Vella (all pathways), Ben O’Donnell (Connacht), Jack Debreczeni (Hino Red Dolphins), Corey Toole (Aus Sevens), Tamati Tua (Blues).

OUTS: Scott Sio (Exeter Chiefs), Irae Simone (Clermont), Tom Banks (Japan TBC), Folau Fainga’a (Western Force), Rod Iona (MLR), Lachie Albert (TBC), Cam Clark (TBC).

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Scott Sio.(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)

Melbourne Rebels

The Rebels have lost their captain Michael Wells as well as their experienced Wallabies back Matt Too’mua while two youngsters are heading to the NRL. Italian Test player Monty Ioane is a notable pickup.

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Jaiden Christian, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Gibbon, Cameron Orr, Sam Talakai, Isaac Aedo Kailea

Hookers: Jordan Uelese, Alex Mafi, Anaru Rangi, Theo Fourie

Locks:  Trevor Hosea, Matt Philip, Josh Canham, Tuiana Taii Tualima, Tim Cardall

Backrow: Richard Hardwick, Zac Hough, Tamati Ioane, Josh Kemeny, Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Daniel Maiava, Vaiolini Ekuasi

Halfbacks: Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Ryan Louwrens

Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste

Centres: David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lebron Naea, Ray Nu’u, Lukas Ripley, David Vaihu

Outside backs: Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Joe Pincus, Ilikena Vudogo, Glen Vaihu, Lachie Anderson, Monty Ioane

INS: Sam Talakai (Tokyo Sungoliath), Alex Mafi (Reds), Anaru Rangi (Shining Arcs), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Reds), Ryan Louwrens (Austin), Monty Ioane (Benetton), Jaiden Christian, Tim Cardall (Wasps) Theo Fourie, Zac Hough, David Feliuai, David Vaihu, Vaiolini Ekuasi (Auckland)

OUTS: Michael Wells (Force), Sef Fa’agase (Reds), James Hanson (TBC), Efi Maafu (Rouen), Ross Haylett-Petty (TBC), Young Tonumaipea (Melbourne Storm), Jeral Skelton (Canterbury Bankstown), Matt To’omua (Japan), Joe Powell (London Irish), Josh Hill (TBC), Rhys Van Nek (TBC), Tom Nowlan, Divad Palu,

NSW Waratahs

Darren Coleman made an instant impact last season, raising performances and fan expectations. Welsh veteran Jamie Roberts has moved on along with a long list of other players, but Coleman has again leaned into experience by bringing in the likes of Kurtley Beale and Fijian veteran Nemani Nadolo. The selection that has raised most eyebrows is that of Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu, who comes home after a controversial and difficult time in France.

The second-row stocks have been bolstered with a mixture of youth and experience with the signings of Taleni Seu (Chiefs), Zac Von Appen (Sydney Uni), and Zane Marolt (ACT Brumbies).

Harrison Goddard adds depth at scrumhalf, linking up with Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman whom he won two titles in two seasons under at Gordon and the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby.

The Waratahs’ development pathway continues to provide the side plenty of talent, with Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson, Ben Dowling, and Jack Bowen all promoted into the full-time playing squad for the 2023 season.

Max Jorgensen joins the side for pre-season after graduating through the Waratahs Gen Blue Academy Pathway where he has played a starring role since the U15 age level.

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Angus Bell, Tiaan Taukipulu, Te Tera Faulkner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Archer Holz, Tom Lambert

Hookers: David Porecki, Tolu Latu, Mahe Vailanu

Locks: Jed Holloway, Taleni Seu, Zac Von Appen, Zane Marolt, Hugh Sinclair

Backrow: , Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Ned Hanigan

Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Harrison Goddard, Teddy Wilson

Flyhalves: Will Harrison, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson, Jack Bowen

Centres: Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu

Outside Backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Kurtley Beale, Dylan Pietsch, Nemani Nadolo, Harry Wilson, Ben Dowling, Max Jorgensen

INS: Kurtley Beale (Racing 92), Tolu Latu (Stade Français), Tom Lambert (Glasgow Warriors), Nemani Nadolo (Leicester Tigers), Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis),  Taleni Seu (Toyota Industries Shuttles), Zac Von Appen, Zane Marolt, Max Jorgensen (Academy).

OUTS: Alex Newsome (Clermont), Jeremy Williams (Force), Jamie Roberts (TBC), Henry Robertson (Force), Ruan Smith (Lions SA), Geoff Cridge (Bayonne), Tom Horton (Leicester Tigers), Max Douglas (Japan), Hugh Bokenham (TBC),  Carlo Tizzano (Ealing Trailfinders), Jack Grant (Ealing Trailfinders),  James Ramm (Northampton Saints), Triston Reilly (Wests Tigers – NRL), Tevita Funa (TBC), Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco.

Queensland Reds

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Queensland’s roster remains largely unchanged from last year’s campaign, with just three players from outside the 2022 program – Luke Jones, Connor Anderson and Phransis Sula-Siaosi – added to the 37-man squad.
 
More than 90 percent of the squad (34 players) have made their way to Super Rugby through the Queensland Rugby pathway, having represented Queensland at U18s or U20s level, or played in the StoreLocal Hospital Challenge Cup, National Rugby Championship or Queensland Rugby Challenger Series.
 
The squad is Queensland’s most experienced in five-years with the roster boasting 1067 Super Rugby caps.

Props:  Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Taniela Tupou, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Phransis Sula-Siaosi 

Hookers: Richie Asiata, Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, George Blake

Locks: Angus Blyth, Lopeti Faifua, Ryan Smith, Luke Jones, Wilson Blyth, Connor Vest

Backrow: Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Connor Anderson, Keynan Tauakipulu

Halfbacks: Spencer Jeans, Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas

Flyhalves: Lawson Creighton, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor

Centres: Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami

Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Mac Grealy, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey

INS: Luke Jones (Racing 92), Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Connor Anderson, Peni Ravai (Clermont)

OUTS: Feao Fotuaika (TBC), Alex Mafi (Rebels), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Northampton), Angus Scott-Young (Northampton), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Rebels), Hamish Stewart (Force)

Western Force

New coach Simon Cron has reshaped the team in pursuit of a move up the table. 

The former junior Wallabies coach, Waratahs assistant and Shute Shield winning coach with Norths has been with Toyota Verblitz where he worked under New Zealand World Cup-winning coach Steve Hansen.

Cron has enlisted a wealth of youth, dropping the squad’s average age from 27 to 24. Cron has significant trust in the experience of his hand picked coaching staff to shape the young talent throughout the season.  

The squad includes four capped Wallabies Folau Fainga’a, Izack Rodda, Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u, and Argentinian Prop Santiago Medrano. A further seven players represented Australia A this year, including Tim Anstee, Jeremy Williams, Ollie Callan, Jackson Pugh, Bayley Kuenzle and Hamish Stewart.  Late signing Wilton Rebolo has 30 caps for Brazil.

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Bo Abra, , Tom Robertson, Angus Wagner, Sifa Amone, Andrew Romano, Santiago Medrano, Charlie Hancock, Wilton Rebolo

Hookers: Feleti Kaitu’u, Jack Winchester, Folau Fainga’a

Locks: Ryan McCauley, Izack Rodda, Jeremy Williams, Will Sankey, Felix Kalapu

Backrow: Jackson Pugh, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Kane Koteka, Michael Wells, Ned Slack-Smith

Halfbacks: Isaac Fines-Leleiwasa, Ian Prior, Henry Robertson

Flyhalves: Reejan Pasitoa, Hamish Stewart, Bryce Hegarty

Centres:  Bayley Kuenzle, Grason Makara, George Poolman, Oliver Cummins, Sam Spink

Outside backs: Daniel Ala, Manasa Mataele, Toni Pulu, Jake Strachan, Reece Tapine, Chase Tiatia, Rupeni Mataele

INS: Chase Tiatia (Hawke’s Bay), Bryce Hegarty (Leicester Tigers), Henry Robertson (Waratahs), Folau Fainga’a (Brumbies), Jeremy Williams (Waratahs), Michael Wells (Rebels), Sifa Amone (Academy), George Poolman (Academy), Andrew Romano (Academy), Rupeni Mataele (Academy), Ned Slack-Smith (Academy), Felix Kalapu (Old Glory DC), Charlie Hancock, Jackson Pugh, Oliver Cummins, Sam Spink (Wasps), Wilton Rebolo (New York).

OUTS: Greg Holmes (retired), Jeremy Thrush (retired), Richard Kahui (retired), Brynard Stander (TBC), Kyle Godwin (Lyon), Fergus Lee-Warner (Worcester Warriors), Andrew Ready (Colomiers), Brad Lacey (TBC), Byron Ralston (Connacht), Jack McGregor (TBC), Jake McIntyre (France), Michael McDonald (Ulster), Sitaleki Timani, Harry Lloyd.

Fijian Drua

The Drua have signed gold-medal winning Olympian and Rugby 7s World Cup winner Iosefo Masi, who joins the Drua after a short stint with the North Queensland Cowboys. Joining him is robust Suva backrower and fellow 7s World Cup winner Elia Canakaivata.

Flying Fijians prop Mesake Doge returns home from Europe (Dragons and Brive) to bring valuable experience to the Drua front row in 2023. Other new players to watch in 2023 include former Melbourne Rebels squad member Emosi Tuqiri and impressive centre Michael Naitokani (Fijian Warriors and Nadroga).

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Mesake Doge , Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Meli Tuni, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Samuela Tawake, Timoci Sauvoli, Mesake Doge, Emosi Tuqiri

Hookers: Mesu Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama

Locks: Chris Minimbi, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Isoa Nasilasila

Backrow: Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Vilive Miramira, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata

Halfbacks: Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Frank Lomani

Flyhalves: Teti Tela, Caleb Muntz

Centres: Apisalome Vota, Kalione Nasoko, , Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi

Outside Backs: Vinaya Habosi, Kitione Taliga, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ilaisa Droasese.

INS: Timoci Sauvoli (France), Mesake Doge (Dragons WAL), Iosefo Masi (Nth Qld Cowboys), Elia Canakaivata (sevens), Emosi Tuqiri, Michael Naitokani (Fijian Warriors), Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou

OUTS: Onisi Ratave (Benetton), Manasa Saulo, Viliame Rarasea, Nemani Nagusa, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Nawai, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Seru Vularika, Napolioni Bolaca,

Blues

Last year’s beaten finalists added three youngsters to their list for 2023 including blindside flanker Rob Rush, son of former All Black and Sevens legend, Eric Rush. The others are prop Josh Fusitu’a and outside back Caleb Tangitau.

“Obviously we want to go one further, I know the boys will come into Blues HQ ready to hit the pre-season with some purpose – we know the hard work starts this side of Christmas,” said coach Leon MacDonald.

“We took some really promising strides last season, so for me as a coach it’s about building on what went well while also bringing some fresh thinking and ideas to the table.”

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Alex Hodgman, James Lay, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Nepo Laulala, Josh Fusitu’a

Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Soane Vikena, Ricky Riccitelli

Locks: James Tucker, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu

Loose forwards: Taine Plumtree, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Rob Rush

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki

Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta

Centres: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tanielu Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans

Outside backs: Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau.

INS: Patrick Tuipulotu (Toyota Verblitz), Josh Fusitu’a (Academy), Rob Rush, Caleb Tangitau

OUTS: Karl Tu’inukuafe (Montpellier), Josh Goodhue, Luke Romano, Tamati Tua

Chiefs

All Black Damian McKenzie returns from Japan to bolster the Chiefs but it offset somewhat by the loss of Jonah Lowe.

Of the 38 players named; 15 have run out in the All Blacks jersey, seven are in the current All Blacks squad, and five in the All Blacks XV.

Coach Clayton McMillan said: “There is a lot of consistency in our selection with only four new recruits, and the return of fan favourite Damian McKenzie, as additions to the squad. This is reflected in our belief that we are trending in the right direction. Our relatively young squad is maturing nicely and we have developed genuine cohesion and depth across the squad. We look forward to getting into our work over the summer and hitting the ground running in front of our loyal fans next year.”

Of the new additions, two are transfers from the Highlanders – Ngantungane Punivai and Manaaki Selby-Rickit.

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Aidan Ross, Atunaisa Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Ollie Norris, Jared Proffit, George Dyer

Hookers: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Bradley Slater, Tyrone Thompson

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit

Loose Forwards: Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Pita Gus Sowakula, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau

Halfbacks: Brad Weber, Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima

Flyhalves: Bryn Gatland, Josh Ioane

Centres: Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling

Outside backs: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Rivez Reihana, Ngantungane Punivai, Peniasi Malimali

INS: Damian McKenzie (Tokyo Sungoliath), George Dyer (Waikato), Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau), Jared Proffit (Taranaki),  Ngantungane Punivai (Highlanders), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Highlanders)

OUT: Chase Tiatia (Western Force), Jonah Lowe (Highlanders), Kaleb Trask (Honda Heat), Sione Mafileo, Reuben O’Neill, Mitchell Brown,

Hurricanes

While the core of the squad is maintained from 2022, the Hurricanes made five signings. Waikato outside Dan Sinkinson, Taranaki’s Kini Naholo and Manawatū’s Brett Cameron join the club for the first time, and Wellington up and comers, Riley Higgins and Peter Lakai sign their first professional Super Rugby contracts with the Hurricanes. 

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Owen Franks

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Jacob Devery

Locks: James Blackwell, Dominic Bird, Justin Sangster, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere

Loose forwards: Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Tyler Laubscher, Devan Flanders, Tekemaka Howden, Peter Lakai

Halfbacks: Jamie Booth, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard

Flyhalves: Aidan Morgan, Brett Cameron

Centres: Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Riley Higgins 

Outside backs: Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love, Dan Sinkinson, Kini Naholo

INS: Brett Cameron (Kamaishi Seawaves), Riley Higgins,  Peter Lakai (rookie), Kini Naholo, Dan Sinkinson

OUTS: Alex Fidow,(TBC), James O’Reilly (TBC), Leni Apasai (Highlanders), Tom Parsons (TBC), Scott Scrafton (Benetton), Jackson Garden-Bachop (TBC), Teihorangi Walden (TBC), Wes Goosen (Edinburgh), Blake Gibson, Caleb Delany, Pepesana Patafilo,

Crusaders

Some big names are departing the SRP defending champions but Scott Robertson has been able to bolsetr the team with some returning talent.

Scott Robertson, Crusaders Head Coach, said the 2023 squad represented a mix of old and new talent and was feeling confident ahead of the season kicking off in February.

“We have a good balanced squad this year, with some seasoned veterans and an incredibly hard-working new crew of Crusaders,” Robertson said.

“I’m proud of the group we’ve put together this season, and I know they’re all ready and excited to represent the Crusaders region on the big stage.”

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Joe Moody, Oli Jager, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, George Bell

Locks: Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Mitchell Dunshea, Sam Whitelock, Zach Gallagher

Loose forwards: Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili, Cullen Grace, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Christian Lio-Willie

Halfbacks: Mitch Drummond, Noah Hotham, Willi Heinz

Flyhalves: Richie Mo’unga, Fergus Burke, Taha Kemara

Centres: Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod

Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Pepesana Patafilo, Melani Nanai

INS: Noah Hotham (Tasman Mako), Christian Lio-Willie (Highlanders), George Bell, Pepesana Patafilo (Hurricanes), Melani Nanai

OUTS: Abraham Pole (Moana Pasifika), Pablo Matera, Bryn Hall (Shizuoka Blues), Inga Finau (Chiefs), George Bridge (Montpellier), Shilo Klein, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Simon Hickey, Isaiah Punivai, Kini Naholo

Highlanders

The Highlanders will start the season with a new head coach in Clarke Dermody and he will be backed by former SR winning coach Chris Boyd.

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Ayden Johnstone, Jeff Thwaites, Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Luca Inch

Hookers: Rhys Marshall, Andrew Makalio, Leni Apisai

Locks: Josh Dickson, Max Hicks, Pari Pari Parkinson, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker

Loose forwards: James Lentjes, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton

Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Folau Fakatava, James Arscott

Flyhalves: Marty Banks, Mitch Hunt, Cameron Millar

Centres: Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Scott Gregory

Outside backs: Connor Garden-Bachop, Mosese Dawai, Vilimoni Koroi, Sam Gilbert, Josh Timu, Jonah Lowe, Jona Nareki

INS: James Arscott (Otago), Jonah Lowe (Chiefs), Cameron Millar, Nikora Broughton, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker (New York)

OUTS: Liam Coltman (Lyon), Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders), Kayne Hammington (TBC), Sio Tomkinson (Dragons WAL), Ngantungane Punivai (Chiefs), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Chiefs), Solomon Alaimalo, Bryn Evans, Sam Caird, Gareth Evans

Moana Pasifika

It was a tough road for the team last season and they have made minimal changes to the squad for the new season.

2023 CONFIRMED SQUAD

Props: Sekope Kepu, Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikatoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua, Abraham Pole

Hookers: Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai

Locks: Mike McKee, Alex McRobbie, Samuel Slade

Loose Forwards: Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga, Michael Curry

Halfbacks: Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea

Flyhalves: Christian Lealifano, D’Angelo Leuila, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili

Midfielders: Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi

Outside Backs: Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga’anuku, Anzelo Tuituvuki

INS: Abraham Pole, Samuel Slade, Michael Curry, Miracle Fai’ilagi, D’Angelo Leuila ,

OUTS: Henry Stowers (Benetton), Veikoso Poliniati (Racing 92), Solomone Kata (Exeter), Don Lolo.

The Crowd Says:

2023-01-01T11:42:33+00:00

David junior Fruean

Guest


That is true

2022-12-14T00:41:50+00:00

Atlas

Roar Rookie


Chiefs: Angus Ta'avao is out due to surgery for a neck injury, and is replaced by John Ryan for the 2023 season - Ryan had 201 matches for Munster, 4 for Wasps, 24 tests for Ireland. Available due to Wasps club going into administration.

2022-12-08T10:17:53+00:00

Rugbynutter

Roar Rookie


Give the guy also chance in a fully professional environment vs mlr a chance to develop. I don’t like when we write off players too early so let’s look at him as medium to long term prospect

2022-12-08T10:15:08+00:00

Rugbynutter

Roar Rookie


Got to say having the right coach on and off the field so important and Darren Coleman everything right about the latter. Long time tahs supporter and loved last season for on field and the off field vibe Coleman provided. For first time in a long time looking forward to the season with prospect tahs a genuine chance to win the thing

2022-12-01T23:43:55+00:00

Sheikh

Roar Rookie


Brazil are ranked 27th in the world by the IRB; so those 30 caps might only be of the standard of a club, but his US side had Nehe Milner-Skudder, Andy Ellis and Waisake Naholo playing for them, so it's not to be sniffed at!

AUTHOR

2022-12-01T21:38:13+00:00

Tony Harper

Editor


Sam Spink was added yesterday

2022-12-01T18:51:37+00:00

ScottD

Roar Guru


The latest pickup by the Force (Sam Spink) isn’t listed here. He looks like a pretty powerful backline bulldozer who will excite the crowd. It will be interesting to see how well he goes in Australia. Also great to see Santiago Medrano back in the front row. His departure would have left a very big hole.

2022-12-01T05:58:04+00:00

Bobby

Roar Rookie


Rebolo must be good then. 30 caps buy let's see how he goes at Super Rugby level !

2022-12-01T01:49:31+00:00

Thing Me

Roar Rookie


That's the trouble. The rugby world just doesn't begin or end on the Sydney Opera House. There are some damn good players playing well outside the Brisbane and Sydney Cosmopolitan Clubs where the selectors meet on Friday night.

AUTHOR

2022-12-01T01:01:43+00:00

Tony Harper

Editor


Thank FF, will amend

2022-12-01T00:38:02+00:00

ForceFan

Roar Rookie


Thanks for your efforts Tom – much appreciated. Jackson Pugh is shown as both a Back Rower and an Out. The latter is incorrect. Rebolo has 30 caps for Brazil.

2022-11-30T23:54:50+00:00

Highlander

Roar Guru


Chiefs and Locks - good luck everyone else

2022-11-30T23:14:24+00:00

Reds Harry

Roar Rookie


Got a suspicion the Force will go pretty well. Cron is a good coach, some decent forward talent and experience, and if the backs can get a bit of combination going and ball to their wingers Palu and the ex Saders bloke they will be a threat. Shame that Pasitoa is out for the SR season (apparently), very good flyhalf/inside centre.

2022-11-30T23:10:32+00:00

Reds Harry

Roar Rookie


Pretty good Reds squad with the exception of props and hookers. With Tupou and Harry Hoopert out for the season, only Dane Zander and Zane Nonggorr look SR quality - and thats as replacements, don't know if they are up to starting but they both have a couple of years SR experience. Nonggorr is a potential test tighthead for sure, vital he stays injury free. Apparently some good young prospects and lets hope Sef can measure up. Why do the Reds not sign Rhys van Nek, a good scrummager? Anyway IMO the rest of the squad looks pretty good with some real depth. MY best 23 for the Reds based on likely availability (no Thor or Hoopert, JOC back though)... Campbell, Vuinivalu, Petaia, Paisami, Daugunu, JOC, Tate, Harry, Fraser, Uru, Smith, Jones, Nonggorr Nasser Zander. Bench Blake, Faessler, Fa'agase, A Blyth, Wright, Thomas, Henry, Grealy.

2022-11-30T20:55:16+00:00

Bobby

Roar Rookie


As always at this time of year, the OZ squads look pretty good and more “even” than years past. Tahs look strong and have some momentum from last year. Reds will be decidedly weaker up front without Taniela, and their scrum will be targeted. Be interesting to see how Larkham and Coleman go and equally Thorn ( in his last year – unless re-signed). A bad start for the Reds will see a lot of pressure placed on Thorn. Bring on 2023.

2022-11-29T00:06:26+00:00

Sheikh

Roar Rookie


The Force website is reporting two more signings: Wilton Rebolo a Brazilian front-rower (stated as a prop, but I've also found him listed as a hooker) who looks pretty big (>120 kg). Has been playing in the US. Sam Spink an English centre from Wasps, and presumably looking for a gig!

2022-11-23T13:04:37+00:00

Derek Murray

Roar Rookie


Whilst it's true Fergus Lee Warner moved to Worcester, recent events mean he's actually playing at Bath

2022-11-23T13:03:50+00:00

Derek Murray

Roar Rookie


That is rather sweeping. Where specifically are the weaknesses?

2022-11-23T04:20:46+00:00

Atlas

Roar Rookie


Argentine Pumas wing Martin Bogado has signed to play for the Highlanders in Super Rugby 2023 and 2024. A product of Argentina's high-performance system he has played professionally in the Americas Super Rugby League for Paraguay's Olympia Lions in 2021 and a Jaguares XV in 2022. He played for an Argentina XV when they beat Georgia and Portugal earlier this year and was called into Michael Cheika's squad for Argentina's northern tour. A wing who can also cover fullback, he uses his 1.91m and 97kg well to create problems for opposing defences and he is the final squad member for the southern franchise.

2022-11-23T00:02:50+00:00

robbo999

Roar Rookie


Tony, I note you have posted the Force squad issues yesterday, but have missed the Rebels squad announcement on the 17th. Three new players promoted up David Vaihu, centre; Theo Furie at 9; and Jadain Christian prop. One additional centre added in Felicia plucked from the giddy heights of Romanian rugby.

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