Australian and Fijian Drua Squads Confirmed For 2022 Super Rugby Pacific
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A mix of youth and experience has been unveiled, amongst several moves in the player market, with the squads confirmed for every Super Rugby Pacific side.
Each of the 12 teams have revealed their squads for the 2022 season, with Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika showing they will be a force to be reckoned with from Round One.
Click here to view the full list of 2022 Super Rugby Pacific squads
In Australia, several teams have welcomed back a wealth of experience with a total of 200 Test caps across the new arrivals bolstering each squad ahead of the 2022 season.
There are also several rookies to watch with the Queensland Reds welcoming Tom Lynagh, the son of Australian Rugby legend Michael Lynagh, while the New South Wales Waratahs staved off interest from Rugby League to secure highly rated youngster Tevita Funa.
Major moves for the Australian teams
- Wallabies captain Michael Hooper returns following Top League stint in Japan
- Cult hero Jesse Mogg has returned to the Brumbies
- Tom Lynagh, son of Australian Rugby legend Michael, joins the Queensland Reds
- Wallabies lock Izack Rodda at Western Force following season in French Top 14
- Rebels welcome back Matt Philip to Melbourne following overseas stint
- Former Waratah Cam Clark now in Canberra following Major League Rugby stint
Fijian Drua have also named Olympic Gold Medalist Kalione Nasoko, amongst a number of players with experience for the renowned 'Flying Fijian' Sevens side.
In New Zealand, the Blues have bolstered their backline with the sensational off-season arrival of All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett and former Rugby League star Roger Tuivasa-Check. The former New Zealand Warriors fullback has joined the 15-man game after almost ten years in the NRL.
The 18-week Super Rugby Pacific season will kick-off on Friday 18 February when the Brumbies face the Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland as the 12 teams fight to make the Finals.
The second round will move to AAMI Park for Super Round Melbourne from 25 February, with all six matches to be played across three blockbuster days. The season will culminate with a three-week Finals Series before the Final on Saturday 18 June 2022.
All 91 matches of Super Rugby Pacific will be ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport with Saturday night’s game simulcast free-to-air on the Nine Network.
The 2022 squads for Australian Super Rugby Pacific sides
Brumbies
IN: Sefo Kautai, Fred Kaihea, Ed Kennedy, Rod Iona, Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Ollie Sapsford, Cam Clark, Jesse Mogg
OUT: Bayley Kuenzle, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Reece Tapine, James Tucker, Harry Lloyd, Mack Hansen, Archer Holz, Solomone Kata
Melbourne Rebels
IN: Tamati Ioane, Joe Pincus, Moses Sorovi, Efi Maafu, Matt Philip
OUT: Lucio Sordoni, Ignacio Calas, Steve Cummins, Lewis Holland, Frank Lomani, Tom Pincus, Dane Haylett-Petty, Isi Naisarani, Marika Koroibete
NSW Waratahs
IN: Ruan Smith, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Tevita Funa, Dylan Pietsch, Archer Holz, Hugh Bokenham
OUT: Robbie Abel, Chris Talakai, Jack Whetton, Sam Caird, Sam Wykes, Jack Dempsey, Tepai Moeroa, Jack Maddocks, Joe Cotton, Chris Tatola
Queensland Reds
IN: Spencer Jeans, Tom Lynagh, Lopeti Faifua. George Blake
OUT: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Bryce Hegarty, Moses Sorovi
Western Force
IN: Daniel Ala, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Lloyd, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa and Reece Tapine.
OUT: Marcel Brache, Tomas Cubelli, Rob Kearney, Tevita Kuridrani, Jono Lance, Tomas Lezana, Kieran Longbottom, Domingo Miotti, Jordan Olowofela, Jonah Placid and Henry Taefu
The 2022 squad for Fijian Drua
