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New Zealand’s Super Rugby sides enter the 2026 season as the benchmark once again, with depth, continuity and proven winning habits setting them apart from the rest of the competition.
The defending champion Crusaders appear well placed to mount another serious run, blending elite returning talent with academy graduates who understand the system. Meanwhile, the Chiefs boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition, stacked with All Blacks across the park. The Hurricanes’ high-profile recruits add a physical edge to a side already brimming with strike power. But you can never discount the Blues and Highlanders, who have assembled squads capable of pushing deep into the finals if momentum builds.
The Blues have opted for stability rather than reinvention, and that continuity alone keeps them firmly in the title conversation. With a settled forward pack and a backline that retains its strike power, the Aucklanders look well placed to mount a deep finals run if they rediscover the ruthless edge that defined their championship season.
The return of Pita Ahki is a quietly significant upgrade. His experience in France adds composure and organisation to a midfield that already has power and pace. Combined with the Barrett–Perofeta axis, the Blues have multiple playmaking options capable of breaking matches open late.
The question is whether they can consistently impose themselves against the very best. This squad is good enough to win the competition, but only if it finds another gear when knockout rugby arrives.
New Players To Watch: Pita Ahki, Payton Spencer
2026 Squad:
Props: Ben Ake, Flyn Yates, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Hookers: Bradley Slater, James Mullan, Kurt Eklund
Locks: Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry
Back Row: Anton Segner, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Malachi Wrampling, Terrel Peita, Tristan Cook
Scrumhalves: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
Flyhalfs: Beauden Barrett, Rico Simpson, Stephen Perofeta, Zarn Sullivan
Midfield: Corey Evans, James Cameron, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele
Outside Backs: AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Cody Vai, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, Payton Spencer
The Chiefs are stacked, balanced and ruthless. With 15 capped All Blacks spread throughout the squad, this is a roster built not just to reach finals, but to go to the next level at the pointy end of the competition. Depth across key positions sets them apart from the chasing pack.
Damian McKenzie remains the competition’s most dangerous individual weapon. Add Lalakai Foketi’s punch in midfield and Kyren Taumoefolau’s explosiveness out wide, and the Chiefs pose a real threat to the competition.
If injuries are kind, this feels like the most complete New Zealand squad assembled this season.
New Players To Watch: Tyrone Thompson, Kyren Taumoefolau
2026 Squad:
Props: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jarred Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio
Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Aisake Vakasuiola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Taine Kolose, Tupou Vaa’i
Back Row: Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi
Scrumhalves: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe
Flyhalfs: Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb
Midfield: Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea, Tepaea Cook-Savage
Outside Backs: Emoni Narawa, Etene Nainai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
The Crusaders have once again trusted their system, promoting heavily from within while supplementing smartly. The return of Leicester Fainga’anuku adds a devastating edge to an already proven midfield, while academy graduates reinforce the club’s long-term sustainability.
Scott Barrett’s presence anchors the pack, and the loose forward unit remains among the competition’s most abrasive. The Crusaders may not look flashy on paper, but history suggests that matters little once the finals arrive.
They may not dominate the regular season, but writing off this group in knockout rugby would be a mistake few seasoned observers will make.
New Players To Watch: Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave
2026 Squad:
Props: Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Tamaiti Williams
Hookers: Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumaua Letiu
Locks: Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Scott Barrett, Tahlor Cahill
Back Row: Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi
Scrumhalves: Kyle Preston, Louie Chapman, Noah Hotham
Flyhalfs: James White, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara
Midfield: Aki Tuivailala, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Toby Bell
Outside Backs: Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicoll, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
The Highlanders are building something intriguing. While they may lack the star power of the northern franchises, they are stacked with emerging talent and hard-nosed experience in key areas.
Tomas Lavanini’s arrival adds bite and intimidation, while Angus Ta’avao stabilises the front row. The backline is fast, fearless and capable of punishing complacency, especially in Dunedin. Watch promising back Reesjan Pasitoa have his best year in Super Rugby yet after battling injuries for most of his career.
They remain an outside finals chance, but if momentum builds early, this group has the tools to cause serious discomfort to higher-ranked opponents.
New Players To Watch: Tomas Lavanini, Dylan Pledger
2026 Squad:
Props: Angus Ta'avao, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ethan de Groot, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma'u, Sosefo Kautai
Hookers: Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena
Locks: Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Tai Cribb, Tomas Lavanini, Will Stodart
Back Row: Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa
Scrumhalves: Adam Lennox, Dylan Pledger, Folau Fakatava
Flyhalves: Andrew Knewstubb, Cameron Millar, Taine Robinson
Midfield: Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside Backs: Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Josh Whaanga, Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-Harris
The Hurricanes’ ceiling is enormous, but they will need to lift themselves out of the middle pack and take their game to a new level. Jordie Barrett’s return alone transforms their attacking shape, while Warner Dearns adds steel and leadership to the engine room. When this side clicks, it can overwhelm opponents in waves.
Their back row is arguably the most athletic in the competition, and Cam Roigard gives them tempo few teams can live with. The challenge lies in converting dominance into consistent results.
If discipline and execution improve, the Hurricanes are a genuine dark horse to lift the trophy.
New Players To Watch: Vernon Bason, Josh Timu
2026 Squad:
Props: Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason
Locks: Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tom Allen, Warner Dearns
Back Row: Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai
Scrumhalves: Cam Roigard, Ere Enari, Jordi Viljeon
Flyhalfs: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Harry Godfrey, Callum Harkin
Midfield: Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, Josh Timu, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside Backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love