Latest Super Rugby Pacific Player News

Latest Super Rugby Pacific Player News

Ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season teams are finalising their player rosters

Moana Pasifika

Ardie Savea [pictured above] has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through to 2027 and will play his Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika from 2025.

The All Blacks Vice-Captain’s contract takes him through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and will extend an international career that stretches back 84 Tests to his debut against Wales in 2016.

Moana Pasifika Head Coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “Ardie has had a remarkable rugby career so far, excelling both in New Zealand and on the international stage. His signing with us speaks to his commitment to his Pacific heritage and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of Pacific players."


“He brings invaluable skills both on and off the field and as a leader and role model, he is highly respected by his peers and adored by fans.”

Hooker Samiuela Moli has extended his contract with Moana Pasifika until the end of the 2026 season.


A foundation member of the side since its introduction into DHL Super Rugby Pacific in 2022, Moli has become a key contributor to the side's front row. He played in 13 of 14 matches in 2024.

Moli plays for Tasman in the Bunnings Cup and was a member of the side that won the 2020 title.

"Playing for Moana Pasifika these last three years has been a huge opportunity to find my identity. It's also been a privilege to represent my culture and family. Our story is still being written, and I can't wait to get back to work. We have the right people to go even further in 2025, and I'm excited about what's to come."

Coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga is delighted to retain Moli. "Samiu has been a key figure for us in the front row. He's been a consistent performer and a dominant force around the field and has shown a tremendous work ethic. He's also developing into a leader for us both on and off the field. Re-signing for another two years shows his commitment to the team and to our vision. We're thrilled to have him continue his journey with us.

Pat Pellegrini, a first five-eighths with the rising Coventry club in England, has been bought out of his last year of contract with the side to join Moana Pasifika.

The Sydney-born Tongan 25-year-old played at last year's Rugby World Cup, making his mark with a try against the world champion South Africa side. Pellegrini had two seasons with Coventry and was the top points scorer in the Championship.

Former Rebels and Wallabies prop Pone Fa'amausili has signed a one year deal with Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Fa'amausili found himself limited for game-time in 2024 following the arrival of Taniela Tupou and Sam Talakai. It saw the prop make a sudden loan move to the NSW Waratahs in round 12 before returning the following week for his lone game of the year for the Rebels.

Fa'amausili has played seven tests for Australia, including two games at the 2023 Rugby World Cup against Wales and Fiji. The 27-year-old is of Samoan descent and was excited to be representing his culture with the Auckland-based side.

 “I’m extremely excited at the opportunity ahead with Moana Pasifika, to be able to share my knowledge and experiences and also learn from a talented group of men. Being able to learn from a coach like Tana is really exciting for myself."


Chiefs

Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau has extended his contract in DHL Super Rugby Pacific until the end of 2026.

Now a vital member of the Chiefs with 45 games since his debut in 2021, he debuted for the All Blacks in 2023, scoring a try on debut in the 23-20 Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Dunedin. He has played three Tests, most recently playing both Tests against England. The blindside flanker said he was grateful to have the chance to continue with the Chiefs.

"This team, and its brotherhood, have helped shape me into the player I am. I can't wait to get back into it next year."

Coach Clayton McMillan is delighted to retain the dominant tackling and strong carrying Finau for two more seasons. "He has put in a lot of effort over the last few years to go from a relatively raw-boned athlete finding his feet in the professional ranks to become an All Black.

"As a Chief, he consistently has a positive influence on our game through his athleticism and desire for combat on both sides of the ball. He provides a good balance amongst our loose forwards, and we know at his young age his best years are all in front of him."

Crusaders

The Crusaders are excited to confirm Leicester Fainga’anuku [pictured below] will return to the franchise for the 2026 season on a two-year contract.

The 24-year-old was a star of the Crusaders back line since his 2019 Super Rugby season debut. At the end of the 2022 season, he was joint top try scorer for the competition with fellow Crusaders Sevu Reece and Will Jordan. The 24-year-old scored 13 tries in 13 appearances in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition, was crowned the top try scorer and played a big part in securing a seventh straight Super Rugby title for the red and black.

He signed an 18-month contract with Toulon at the tail end of the 2023 season and has just started his second season in France’s Top 14 competition. Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach, said the move was “fantastic news for rugby in New Zealand”.

“Leicester is a huge asset to any team he is a part of, so to have him back in Christchurch is really positive,” Penney said.

“He has plenty of years left to play at the top level, and we’re all very pleased he’s chosen to return to the Crusaders. I’m sure all members and fans will be just as excited as we are to see him run out onto the new turf at One New Zealand Stadium for that 2026 season.”

The Crusaders have also confirmed James O’Connor has signed with the franchise for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 34-year-old is a legend of international rugby, having played 64 tests for Australia and earned more than 120 Super Rugby caps for the Western Force, the Melbourne Rebels and most recently the Queensland Reds. He’s scored nearly 250 points for his country and has long been a stand out player both with ball in hand and behind the kicking tee.

A utility back with options across the backline, he’ll join the squad at first five alongside Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara, providing both on-field expertise and off field mentorship. “I’m really excited to be joining the Crusaders for the 2025 season and eager to test myself in a new environment,” O’Connor said.

 

Brumbies

The  Brumbies are excited to announce the extension of Super Rugby Pacific flyhalf Jack Debreczeni until the end of the 2025 season.

With over 80 total appearances in the top level of Super Rugby, including 22 for the Brumbies since joining the club in 2023, Debreczeni continues to prove his worth as a competition veteran in each outing that he dons the ACT colours. Debreczeni says he is eager to continue building with the side as he hopes to keep up a winning culture next season.

“I was always keen to stay with the Brumbies so making it official is something that greatly excites me,“ said Debreczeni.

“Since joining the club both players and staff have made me feel very welcomed and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. We have had two strong seasons since I joined, making the Semi-Finals in both, but I am looking forward to being a part of the push to go one further in 2025.”

The ACT Brumbies have also announced the one-year extension of Super Rugby Pacific flyer Corey Toole, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025 season. After making his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the club in 2023, Toole has gone on to feature in 27 matches for the Brumbies scoring an impressive 17 tries with the help of his blinding pace. An Australian 7s regular, Toole also returned to the global stage in 2024, heading to the Paris Olympics where he would continue adding to his already extensive highlight reel, narrowly missing out on a medal after placing fourth at the games.

“It’s been a massive year for sure, but returning to the Brumbies has always been on my mind,” said Toole. “The club has made me feel at home since joining and I’m keen to keep working on my game here in Canberra. Both as a club and individually I feel there has been improvement over the past two years, now that next step is hopefully a Super Rugby title.”


Queensland Reds

Queensland Reds Co-Captain Liam Wright has committed to an eighth season at Ballymore.

Wright has penned a contract extension off the back of an outstanding season that saw him play all 15 Super Rugby Pacific matches before captaining Australia for the first time against Wales. Backrower Wright, who has amassed 84 Queensland caps despite having to overcome injury challenges in recent years, joins the likes of Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Ryan Smith and Jock Campbell in extending his time at the Reds.

Wright said he had no hesitation extending his stay at the only professional club he has ever represented.

"I always feel incredible pride in the Queensland jersey, due to our fantastic fans and the role being a Queenslander has played in my life,” Wright said.

“There is plenty more I want to achieve here alongside this great squad and staff, both as an individual and as a team.

The Queensland Rugby Union is delighted to announce centre Dre Pakeho will continue his promising development under a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds.

Pakeho, 19, was named the 2024 Under-20s Player of the Year in Queensland rugby as a pointer to his huge potential.

The roll call of players of the future to claim this award (formerly Colt of the Year) is well established with World Cup-winners Ben Tune, David Wilson, Toutai Kefu and Tim Horan among the previous winners. Reds head coach Les Kiss welcomed Pakeho on board for 2025-26 with the squad due to return to training on Monday.

“What I saw with Dre’s growth and commitment to development in the Academy program, with coach Dale Roberson, made it no surprise to me that he was able to step up for Brothers and in the Reds games against Wales and Tonga,” Kiss said.

“He’s a genuine inside centre and a really level-headed player who does his primary roles very well.”


NSW Waratahs

The NSW Waratahs have confirmed the signing of Queensland Reds flyhalf Lawson Creighton [pictured below] for the 2025 season. Creighton makes the move after four years with the Reds after debuting in April 2021.

The 26-year-old played 34 games for the club, including starting in their 2022 quarter-final defeat to the Crusaders.

“It has been a really enjoyable season. The Reds built on their game with smart and tactical improvements and to win in Christchurch after so long was a big thing in Queensland rugby’s history,” Creighton said in a statement.

“It’s tough to leave close mates I’ve come through the local pathways with but those friendships don’t change. I leave with only good memories. I feel I’ll get the opportunity for more minutes where I’m heading and I’m ready for new challenges."

The NSW Waratahs have continued their re-signing spree as winger Triston Reilly signs a two-year extension. It will keep Reilly at Daceyville until the end of the 2026 season after a breakthrough year with the club.

The 25-year-old returned to the Waratahs at the start of the year following a stint with NRL side Wests Tigers. Through the year, Reilly slowly worked his way up the depth chart, scoring in their win over the Crusaders on his round two return.

NSW Waratahs have further bolstered their star-studded squad for next season with six new signings touching down at Daceyville.

Prop Siosifa Amone and outside back Henry O’Donnell return home to NSW following stints with the Western Force, and are joined by former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith, hooker Ethan Dobbins and backrower Leafi Talataina.

Amone (13 games), O’Donnell (5 games), Smith (20 games) and Dobbins (6 games) all arrive with Super Rugby Pacific experience under their belts, while O’Donnell and Talataina represented the Junior Wallabies last year. Meanwhile Australian-born lock Ben Grant is back on home soil after spending the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, preceded by two years with the San Diego Legion.

Western Force

Dylan Pietsch has been released from his contract with the NSW Waratahs as he signs with the Western Force. Pietsch is coming off a breakthrough year in NSW, parlaying a strong Super Rugby season into a debut for the Wallabies.

The former Sevens star became the 16th Indigenous player to represent Australia when he came off the bench in the win over Wales in Sydney. Pietsch has featured three times for the Wallabies in 2024 and is excited about the challenge in the west.

It continues the Western Force’s strong recruitment, having signed Wallabies Darcy Swain and Brandon Panega-Amosa along with recently locking in former All Black Matt Proctor.

“ I feel like the Western Force are on the up at the moment and I’m really excited to play my part in it,” Pietsch said.

“The Force play a fast style of rugby where they like to move the ball which suits me. I believe that can bring out my strengths with carrying and ball-running on the edges.

“My Wallabies ambition is a big thing too. Now I’ve had a taste of international rugby, I want to play consistent footy and I feel I can play my best footy with the Force.

The Western Force have also picked up one-cap All Black and former Rebels centre Matt Proctor for the 2025 season.

Proctor played five games for the Rebels in 2024 and is currently starting for Wellington in the NPC. The 31-year-old has played 72 Super Rugby games, the majority for the Hurricanes, and featured for the All Blacks in 2018 against Japan.

“I’m really excited about this move as I see a lot of potential in the Force,” Proctor said.

“The results weren’t quite there last year but looking deeper a lot of the losses were close games, so they weren’t far off, so I can see the potential there. The club has made a lot of positive signings over the last 12 months as well. I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my rugby career with my family moving over to Perth.”

Fijian Drua

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced the signing of Flying Fijian Vuate Karawalevu.

Karawalevu made his debut for the national side in the Pacific Nations Cup game against Samoa recently. The 23-year-old played at full-back, scoring one try and made significant other contributions in Fiji’s 42-16 win against their Pacific rivals.

Karawalevu played in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific for the NSW Waratahs. He has also represented Fiji in Rugby League, turning out for the Fiji Bati at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Karawalevu, who is equally adept at fullback and on the wing, said he is eager to return home, join the Fijian Drua and get in front of the world’s best fans: “Feeling incredibly excited and blessed to join this new club! It’s an honour to play for my home team, and I can’t wait to give it my all on the field. Ready for this new chapter and grateful for the opportunity to represent where I come from.”

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has also announced the signing of Fijian 7s star and Paris Olympics Silver Medallist Ponipate Loganimasi on a full-time contract. Much to the delight of fans, the impressive speedster will now join his Paris Olympics teammates Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada in the Drua Men’s squad for 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

The 26-year-old made an immediate impact in his debut for the national 15’s side by scoring two tries in the Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan. Loganimasi joined the Flying Fijians after Ravutaumada’s injury in the tournament’s first round.

Hailing from Ono-i-Lau with maternal links to Nabua in Savusavu, Loganimasi scored a remarkable 35 tries during his short stint with the Fijian 7’s team in the 2023-24 World Series campaign before winning silver at the Paris Olympics.






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