Squad announcements last week confirmed that players of Pacific Islands descent had been named in all 10 franchise teams for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific, with the exception of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.
All ten franchise teams in Super Rugby have players with Fijian, Samoan, and Tongan ancestry, according to their squad rosters.
Ardie Savea, the 2023 Rugby World Cup player of the year, isn’t on the list, though.
The Hurricanes mainstay will be absent from the game as he takes a sabbatical.
The season of 2024 Super Rugby Pacific Islands begins on February 24, 2024.
Players of Pacific islands origins by teams:
- Highlanders: Folau Fakatava (Hawkes Bay), Ajay Faleafaga (Otago), Jacob Ratumaituvuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki), Jona Nareki (Otago), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Tasman), Tanielu Tele’a (Auckland), Saula Ma’u (Otago)
- Chiefs: Sione Ahio (Auckland), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty), Samipeni Finau (Waikato), Josh Ioane (Waikato), Kauvaka Kaivelata (Counties Manukau), Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau), Emoni Narawa (Bay of Plenty), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato), Jimmy Tupou (Counties Manukau), Tupou Vaa’i (Taranaki).
- Auckland Blues: Akira Ioane, Rieiko Ioane, Hskins Sotutu, AJ Lam, Cameron Suafoa, Jordan Lay, Caleb Clarke, Angus Ta’avao, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Tele’a, Patrick Tuipulotu, Taufa Funaki, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Joshua Fusitua, Soane Vikena
- Brumbies: Allan Ala;alato’a, Noah Lolesio, Tamati Tua, Rob Valetini, Len Ikitau, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai
- Crusaders: Levi Aumua, Ioane Moananu, George Bower, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jone Rova, Chay Fihaki, Manasa Mataele
- Hurricanes: Siale Lauaki (Wellington), Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty), Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Josh Taula (Manawatū), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke’s Bay), Brayden Iose (Manawatū), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Peter Lakai (Wellington), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington), Kini Naholo (Taranaki), Ngatungane Punivai (Canterbury), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland).
- Rebels: Isaac Kailea, Lukhan Salakaia Loto, Filipo Daugunu, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Sam Talakai, Pone Fa’amausili, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, David Felivai, Daniela Maiava,Jordan Uelese, Lebron Naea, Glen Vaihu, Divad Palu, David Vaihu
- Western Force: Siosifa Amone, Feleti Kaitu’u, Felix Kalapu, Papillon Sevele, Atu Moli, Lopeti Faifua, Chase Tiatia, Issak Fines Leleiwasa, Campbell Parata, Nikolai Foliaki, Reesjan Pasito
- Waratahs: Izaia Perese, Miles Amatosero, Mosese Tuipulotu, Lalakai Foketi, Langi Gleeson, Mahe Vailanu, Vuate Karawalevu, Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Reds: Jordan Petaia, Peni Ravai, Richie Asiata, Taine Roiri, Jeffery Toomaa-Allen, Seru Uru, Suliasi Vunivalu, Sef Fa’agase, Hunter Paisami
The teams will play 14 regular season matches made up of 11 round-robin matches and three derby/rivalry matches across 15 rounds, with each team afforded one bye. Pacific Islands Fixtures & Draw 2024 Super Rugby
The 12 teams have revealed their squads for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season ahead of it.
Of the 456 players under contract, 70 are scheduled to participate in their first competitive match.
Rhys Patchell and Leigh Halfpenny, both Wales internationals, are among the new players signed for the competition. Ryan Crotty, a former All Black center, has returned to the Crusaders in the interim.
Super Rugby Pacific: Gallagher Chiefs squad named for 2024
Head coach Clayton McMillan of the Gallagher Chiefs has confirmed the 38-man team that will compete in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific in 2024.
Nine existing All Blacks are included in the updated lineup, along with eight new players (seven of whom are rookies) and two returning players: prop Reuben O’Neill and first five Kaleb Trask, who returned after a season-long hiatus in Japan.
fresh signee Jimmy Tupou will be a valuable addition to the team as he has played in Japan for the last five seasons and has run out for the Crusaders and Blues in 54 Super Rugby games.
fresh signee Jimmy Tupou will be a valuable addition to the team as he has played in Japan for the last five seasons and has run out for the Crusaders and Blues in 54 Super Rugby games.
On the other hand, in 2024, midfielder Daniel Rona, utility back Liam Coombes-Fabling, loose forwards Malachi Wrampling-Alec, Tom Florence, and Wallace Sititi, and props Kauvaka Kaivelata and Sione Ahio all land their first full-time contracts. Super Rugby Pacific: Gallagher Chiefs squad named for 2024