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Australian Super Rugby sides enter the new season with contrasting ambitions. Some are primed for a title push, others are building toward long-term contention. After a dismal Wallabies campaign, the onus now falls on senior players to restore confidence and credibility at Super Rugby level.
If everything clicks, there is a genuine pathway for as many as three Australian sides to feature in the finals, but that outcome will demand sharper standards, stronger leadership and far greater consistency than we saw last year.For Super Rugby to feel truly competitive again, Australian teams must lift collectively.
Based on squad balance, depth and proven match-winners, here’s how each team stacks up heading into the campaign.
The Brumbies remain the most complete Australian side in Super Rugby and once again look built for a deep finals run. Their forward pack is stacked with Wallabies experience, led by Allan Ala’alatoa, James Slipper and Rob Valetini, with Nick Frost anchoring a reliable tight five. However, they have lost big name players overseas including Len Ikitau and Tom Hooper.
The biggest change comes at flyhalf, where Tane Edmed replaces Noah Lolesio as the chief playmaker. While that transition brings some risk, Edmed’s composure and control align well with the Brumbies’ structured game. Out wide, Tom Wright and Corey Toole provide finishing power, while the midfield offers flexibility and defensive reliability.
New Players To Watch: Jarrah McLeod, Kadin Pritchard
2026 Squad:
Props: Allan Ala’alatoa, Lington Ieli, James Slipper, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini
Hookers: Liam Bowron, Lachlan Lonergan, Chris Mickelson, Billy Pollard
Locks: Harvey Cordukes, Toby Macpherson, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw
Back Row: Charlie Cale, Eli Langi, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rob Valetini
Scrumhalves: Dan Nelson, Ryan Lonergan, Klayton Thorn
Flyhalves: Joe Dillon, Tane Edmed, Declan Meredith
Midfield: Austin Anderson, Hudson Creighton, David Feliuai, Jarrad McLeod, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford
Outside Backs: Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead, Kye Oates, Tom Wright, Shane Wilcox
The Waratahs have recruited aggressively and are clearly aiming to accelerate their return to relevance. The arrival of Matt Philip, Angus Blyth and Pete Samu restores physicality and leadership to the forward pack, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii adds genuine intrigue. Whether he plays at centre or fullback is still open to debate.
There is plenty of quality in the back three, with Andrew Kellaway and Max Jorgensen, with new recruit Harry Potter adding speed and finishing ability. However, the flyhalf group lacks a nailed-on long-term option, with Jack Bowen most likely to get first crack. Recruiting veteran Jack Debreczeni is a smart bit of business to add much needed experience.
The Waratahs look capable of upsetting stronger sides, especially at home, but consistency remains the hurdle. They feel like a surprise finals contender rather than a polished title threat.
New Players To Watch: Ioane Moananu, Sid Harvey
2026 Squad
Props: Jack Barrett, Dan Botha, Will Goddard, Isaac Kailea, Tom Lambert, Apolosi Ranawai, Siosifa Amone
Hookers: Ethan Dobbins, Folau Fainga’a, Ioane Moananu
Locks: Miles Amatosero, Angus Blyth, Eamon Doyle, Ben Grant, Matt Philip
Back Row: Jamie Adamson, Austin Durbidge, Charlie Gamble, Lachlan Hooper, Pete Samu, Leafi Talataina
Scrumhalves: Jake Gordon, Michael McDonald, Teddy Wilson
Flyhalves: Jack Bowen, Jack Debreczeni, Lawson Creighton
Midfield: George Poolman, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Walton
Outside Backs: Sid Harvey, James Hendren, Leo Jaques, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter, Triston Reilly, Archie Saunders
The Reds quietly shape as one of the most balanced Australian squads, and they have managed to keep the bulk of their stars together for a long time now. The return of Carter Gordon provides extra depth at flyhalf, while Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight continue to set the standard in tempo and leadership.
The Reds are starting to build depth. With Tom Lynagh and Ben Volavola offering cover at ten, and multiple options across the backline, the Reds are well equipped to navigate injuries. Aidan Ross strengthens the scrum, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto adds physical presence and experience.
To push into genuine title contention, the Reds must turn dominance into decisive wins against New Zealand sides. Finals look achievable, but how they manage Les Kiss’ transition to Wallabies coach without letting it become a distraction will be telling.
New Players To Watch: Treyvon Pritchard, Frankie Goldsbrough
2026 Squad
Props: Nick Bloomfield, Massimo De Lutiis, Trevor King, Zane Nonggorr, Aidan Ross, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, George Blake
Hookers: Matt Faessler, Josh Nasser, Richie Asiata
Locks: Josh Canham, Hamish Muller, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru
Back Row: Joe Brial, John Bryant, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson
Scrumhalves: Kalani Thomas, Tate McDermott, Louis Werchon
Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh
Midfield: Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Frankie Goldsbrough, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho
Outside Backs: Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell, Nicholas Conway, Heremaia Murray, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch, Filipo Daugunu, Treyvon Pritchard, Ben Volavola
The Force continue to recruit ambitiously, assembling a squad that blends international experience with local grit. George Bridge and Franco Molina add quality and depth, while Kurtley Beale remains a vital organiser in the backline.
The forward pack looks more competitive, particularly through the middle, with Carlo Tizzano and newly-minted Wallaby captain Nick Champion de Crespigny offering relentless work rate. Ben Donaldson provides continuity at flyhalf, and the outside backs boast genuine pace and finishing ability.
Despite the talent, the Force still feel a step behind their fellow Australians and lacking a bit of star power. Finals are not out of reach if cohesion clicks early, but sustained title contention likely remains a season or two away.
New Players To Watch: Nathan Hastie, Franco Molina
2026 Squad
Props: Sef Fa’agase, Feao Fotuaika, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Marley Pearce, Josh Smith, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tom Robertson
Hookers: Albert Alcock, Nic Dolly, Brandon Paenga-Amosa
Locks: Lopeti Faifua, Franco Molina, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams
Back Row: Nick Champion de Crespigny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Carlo Tizzano
Scrumhalves: Nathan Hastie, Doug Philipson, Henry Robertson, Agustin Moyano
Flyhalves: Max Burey, Ben Donaldson, Alex Harford
Midfield: Bayley Kuenzle, Divad Palu, Hamish Stewart, Boston Fakafanua
Outside Backs: Kurtley Beale, George Bridge, Darby Lancaster, Ronan Leahy, Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch