In the upper tier, the top four managers have entered a high-stakes, aggregate-point semi-final series. While the 5th (Nabung) and 6th (Harry) placed managers sit back and think of what could have been, our bottom two managers are locked in a terrifying, two-week psychological death match to avoid having their name etched onto the physical Wooden Spoon trophy for all time.

With the increasing profile of Draft Rugby and the OG League we were lucky enough to be joined by Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley for trade night. Our takeaway was that the competition is in safe hands! The great man is filled with ambitious ideas about growing the competition, so much so that he came down to the pub for a few hours on a Thursday night to talk footy.

What is the OG League? For those newcomers joining us, The OG League is the founding Draft Rugby fantasy league and is in its 14th year of playing Draft Rugby. The OG League is a public and featured league on the draft rugby platform that you can follow along for the season if you have signed up to the platform. You can find it on the public leagues page featured at the top of draftrugby.com/leagues/join

Super Rugby Pacific Quarter-Finals Top Performers

You can read about the full round 16 team of the week here.

The Radical Post-Season Rules: Explained 📊🛠️

Because Draft Rugby doesn’t have an inbuilt finals engine quite yet, we run our postseason manually by spinning up completely fresh public draft leagues on the platform for each individual weekend.

• The Aggregate Format: Both the Championship Semi-Finals and the Wooden Spoon Playoff occur over a cumulative two-week block.

• The Total Reset: Every single manager has to draft a brand-new 23-man team from scratch each week in a linear draft (picked top to bottom rather than a snake draft). No carry-over rosters. No stashes.

• The Outcomes: The two highest aggregate scorers from the top tier advance to a sudden-death Grand Final that mirrors the real Super Rugby Grand Final. The loser of the bottom-tier aggregate series is stuck with the official 2026 Wooden Spoon.

As always, you can check out the casualty ward updates for the Quarter and Semi-Finals, detailing all Super Rugby Pacific 2026 injuries and returns here.

Round Quarter-Final Fixtures:

Championship Qualifying Final:

Wooden Spoon Final

The Draft Night Breakdown 🍻🃏

The Championship Bracket Draft

Blake opened the Draft room at and immediately used his #1 pick to lock down Damian McKenzie. Andrew (Bondichi) snagged Samisoni Taukei’aho at #2, while Nelson swiped Leicester Fainga’anuku at #3. Cargie went for Quinn Tupaea at #4 to get us started.

• The Steals: Nelson managed to snag Corey Toole late at pick #67, which looked like an absolute value heist on paper.

• Cargie (David C) went searching for gold but found nothing but dirt, with Xavier Roe at pick #77, who wasn’t even named to play.

The Wooden Spoon Draft

Wylie opened the basement draft by snatching Damian McKenzie at #1, forcing Sean to take Cam Roigard at #2.

• The Steals: Sean grabbed Wallabies breakout lock Josh Canham at pick #15, which turned into a massive scoring injection.

• Wylie secured Christian Lio-Willie at pick #21, continuing his obsession with back-row stability.

Qualifying Semi-Finals: Leg 1 Deep Dives

Blake P’s Team (1) vs. (4) David C’s Team

Result: 711 – 744 (David C leads by 33 on aggregate)

An absolute point-scoring masterpiece to kick off the top-tier playoffs. Minor Premier Blake opened up a massive 711-point performance, driven by vintage showings from David Havili (78), Cam Roigard (77), and Damian McKenzie (77). In almost any other weekend of fantasy rugby, clearing 700 guarantees a massive blowout win.

Instead, Cargie (David C’s Team) threw a total tactical wrench into the script. Cargie’s draft strategy reaped historic rewards as Billy Proctor went nuclear for 73 points, backed by Christian Lio-Willie (71) and Cortez Ratima (63).

• The Starters vs. Bench Sins: Blake left points out in the cold, leaving Filipo Daugunu (64) on the bench while Caleb Clarke disappointed (13).

Cargie carries a highly competitive 33-point lead into Leg 2.

Bondichi’s Team (2) vs. (3) Call An Ambulance... But Not For Me 🚑

Result: 663 – 600 (Bondichi leads by 63 on aggregate)

Nelson (Call An Ambulance) entered the weekend on tilt, finishing the regular season with 3 losses in a row, this week he faced even more misery against Andrew (bondichi’s Team). Andrew put together a highly clinical 663-point display, riding a massive wave from Warner Dearns (93), Fraser McReight (58), and Samisoni Taukei’aho (58). Nelson struggled to match the pack intensity, despite an outstanding top three with 79 from Leicester Fainga’anuku, 73 from Johnny McNicholl and 63 from Ollie Norris.

• The Starters vs. Bench Sins: Once again, misreading the outside back situation hurt one of our championship drafters. Nelson started Corey Toole (63) over his old faithful Kini Naholo (34).

Andrew carries a solid 63-point lead into Leg 2.

The Wooden Spoon Playoff: Leg 1 Deep Dive

Tosing in the Toole shed (7) vs. (8) Please Don’t Let me Lose again!

Result: 710 – 735 (Sean leads by 25 on aggregate)

The stakes in this match are purely psychological. Because Sean finished dead last in the regular season, he is officially condemned to film the viral GRWM skincare punishment video regardless of what happens here. However, he is fighting like a demon to avoid the actual Wooden Spoon trophy.

In a staggering, record-breaking basement shootout, Sean (commically named “Please Don’t Let me Lose again!” when he wasn’t paying attention) edged out Wylie in a 700-point thriller. Sean’s desperation was fueled by a majestic 77-point masterclass from Cam Roigard and twin 73s from Billy Proctor and Johnny McNicholl. Wylie (Tosing in the Toole shed) fought back with an incredible 93 from Warner Dearns and 79 from Leicester Fainga’anuku, but fell just 25 points short at the final whistle.

• The Starters vs. Bench Sins: Both managers will be absolutely seething when they look at their reserve logs. Wylie left Filipo Daugunu (64) and Ethan Blackadder (62) on the pine, choosing to start Wallace Sititi, who suffered an injury and scored a disastrous 2 points.

• Sean was much wiser with his selection, but still left Fraiser McReight (58) on his reserves list, choosing to start Rob Valetini (20).

Sean takes a narrow 25-point advantage into the final leg of the Spoon playoff.

The draft rooms reset this Thursday at 8:00 PM live at the pub. Aggregate scores carry over. Roster wipes are imminent. Who is surviving the cut?

Quarter Final OG League Fantasy Facts

• Best Player: Warner Dearns (93 points) - Wylie & Andrew.

• Best Free Agent: Ngantungane Punivai (69) - Hurricanes.

• Biggest Coaching Mistake: Wylie leaving Ethan Blackadder (61) on the bench, playing Wallace Sititi (2) instead.

Logged-in users can view the full OG League results and detailed breakdowns here.

Written by Harrison Dale

The first week of the Super Rugby Pacific 2026 Finals Series was a brutal showcase of championship pedigree, where playoff experience and physical dominance separated the title contenders from the rest. The Crusaders maintained their perfect post-season home record with an emphatic 52-31 thrashing of the Blues in Christchurch, while the Chiefs’ clinical second-half surge saw off a brave Queensland Reds side 46-24 in Hamilton. Over in Wellington, the Hurricanes blew the Brumbies away in a record-breaking 66-12 demolition.

But as the Semi-Finals arrive, roster management has reached maximum stress levels. The Casualty Ward continues to dictate terms: the Crusaders are marching on without Will Jordan (calf, season) and Scott Barrett (back, season), while the Reds’ campaign ended with late-season injuries to Seru Uru (back) and Hunter Paisami (knee) ruling them out of their trip to Hamilton.

Team of the Week

1: Ollie Norris – Prop, Chiefs (63 pts)

Norris was a tireless workhorse in the Hamilton rain. In 61 minutes, he racked up a massive 19 tackles and 28 ruck arrivals (24 in attack). Under our position-specific scoring, those dirty-work metrics are absolute fantasy gold for a front-rower.

2: Asafo Aumua – Hooker, Hurricanes (59 pts)

Returned to the Hurricanes’ front row and immediately made his presence felt. In just 43 minutes of action, Aumua broke 4 tackles and crossed the gain line 5 times, providing the massive attacking ceiling we expect from the premier hooker.

3: James Slipper – Prop, Brumbies (52 pts)

The veteran loosehead went down swinging in Wellington. Playing 68 minutes, Slipper recorded 13 tackles and 15 ruck arrivals to go with his 5 carries. A highly reliable, high-floor shift in the trenches.

4: Warner Dearns – Lock, Hurricanes (93 pts)

Player of the Round. Dearns delivered a box-office locking masterclass to destroy the Brumbies’ set-piece. Alongside a clinical brace of tries, he secured 7 lineout takes, a steal, and 24 ruck arrivals. He is currently the most dominant second-rower in the game.

5: Sam Darry – Lock, Blues (56 pts)

Darry was a relentless engine-room anchor in Christchurch. Racking up a staggering 48 ruck arrivals (44 in attack) and 14 tackles, his work-rate provided his owners with a safe scoring base despite the Blues’ exit.

6: Anton Segner – Back Row, Blues (73 pts)

The Blues newest captain led from the front with a try, 14 carries, and 35 ruck arrivals. Segner’s ability to contest the breakdown and secure 3 lineout takes makes him a premier back-row asset for his managers.

7: Christian Lio-Willie – Back Row, Crusaders (71 pts)

Lio-Willie continues his red-hot post-season form. He paired 15 tackles with 9 carries (8 over the gain line) and 2 try assists, showcasing the elite multi-category volume that wins leagues.

8: Ethan Blackadder – Back Row, Crusaders (62 pts)

Blackadder was an absolute defensive titan, making a round-high 24 tackles (3 dominant) and hitting 28 rucks. If you want a player who rewards you through pure physical grit and breakdown nuisance, he is your man.

9: Cam Roigard – Scrumhalf, Hurricanes (77 pts)

Roigard continues to justify his draft capital. He orchestrated the Canes’ record rout with a brace of tries and 77 passes, while his 378 kick metres ensured total tactical territory control.

10: Damian McKenzie – Flyhalf, Chiefs (77 pts)

Returned from concussion protocols in spectacular fashion. DMac put on a playmaking masterclass, scoring 26 individual points (2 tries, 5 conversions, 2 penalty goals) and recording 2 line-break assists to steer the Chiefs into the semi-finals.

11: Johnny McNicholl – Outside Back, Crusaders (73 pts)

Stepping into the fullback jersey in Jordan’s absence, McNicholl delivered a clinical hat-trick of tries and 2 line breaks. His 78 carry metres and 60 post-contact metres confirm he is a high-ceiling playmaker who can break a matchup wide open.

12: Leicester Fainga’anuku – Centre, Crusaders (79 pts)

Fainga’anuku was a physical wrecking ball, pairing 14 carries with a staggering 19 tackles, as he continues to thrive as a flanker. Players who contribute this much defensive grit alongside heavy carry dominance are pure fantasy gold.

13: David Havili – Centre, Crusaders (78 pts)

The captain led the Crusaders’ backline beautifully, recording a try, 2 line breaks, and 16 tackles (3 dominant). Havili’s tactical distribution and defensive grit provide a reliable scoring floor.

14: Ngantungane Punivai – Outside Back, Hurricanes (69 pts)

Talk about ultimate efficiency. Punivai played just 27 minutes off the bench but managed to bag a sensational hat-trick of tries and 2 line breaks. When a reserve outside back delivers that kind of clinical finishing, it’s a total cheat code.

15: Filipo Daugunu – Outside Back, Reds (64 pts)

Daugunu went down fighting in Hamilton, shifting to the midfield to cover Hunter Paisami’s late injury. Recording 12 carries, 13 tackles, and 4 offloads, his versatile multi-category scoring provided his owners with a safe ceiling.

Written by Harry Dale

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Note: The Casualty Ward will be released Sunday/ Monday for all paid subscribers, and Thursday for all free readers.

New Injuries Quarter-Finals:

Blake Schoupp (Brumbies) - Was helped off with what looked to be a serious leg injury. Source.

Wallace Sititi (Chiefs) - Suffered a sickening concussion and will miss at least the semi-final. Source.
Liam Coombes-Fabling (Chiefs) - Was ruled out late and replaced by Daniel Sinkinson. Source.
Sam Nock (Blues) - Suffered a suspected broken hand.
Dallas McLeod (Crusaders) - Being monitored after picking up a groin injury. Source.
Johnny McNicholl (Crusaders) - Being monitored after finishing the game with a heavily strapped hand. Source.

Likely Back for the Semi-Finals:

Beauden Barrett (Blues) - Out of rd 16 with a quad strain. Aiming to return for finals. Source.

Cullen Grace (Crusaders) - “Busted” his patella in August for Canterbury. Aiming to return for the SF. Source.
George Bell (Crusaders) - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 15. Originally aiming to return for the QF-SF. Now changed to TBC return date. Source.
Fletcher Newell (Crusaders) - Came off with an innocuous-looking left knee injury in rd 16. Return date is TBC. Source.
Reuben O’Neill (Chiefs) - Picked up a concussion in rd 14. Aiming to return in the semi-final. Source.
Benet Kumeroa (Chiefs) - Expected back from a groin injury this week. Source.
Siale Lauaki (Hurricanes) - Expected back from a hamstring injury this week. Source.
Devan Flanders (Hurricanes) - Knocked out in an unlucky collision in rd 15. Aiming to return this week. Source.
Fehi Fineanganofo (Hurricanes) - Out with a hamstring injury since rd 16. Hoping to play the SF. Source.
Drew Wild (Hurricanes) - Listed as having a shoulder injury before rd 15. Return date is the SF. Source.

Returned in the Quarter-Finals:

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds) - Started after missing the last 2 rounds waiting on the birth of his child.
Ollie Sapsford (Brumbies) - Back via the bench after suffering a knee injury in rd 15.

Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) - Returned after sitting out rd 16 with a neck injury.
Bradley Slater (Blues) - Returned from a rd 14 concussion.
Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) - Returned from a rd 14 concussion.
Ollie Norris (Chiefs) - Returned after missing last week with a knee injury.
Leroy Carter (Chiefs) - Returned via the bench from a rd 11 hamstring injury.
Kyle Brown (Chiefs) - Returned from a rd 15 hamstring injury.
Isaac Hutchinson (Chiefs) - Started at full back after overcoming a concussion before rd 16.
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes) - Returned after missing rds 15 and 16 with a hamstring injury.
Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes) - Returned via the bench after failing an HIA in rd 16.
Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) - Left the field with a shoulder “niggle” in rd 15. Started in the quarter-final
Ngane Punivai (Hurricanes) - Returned from a rd 15 shoulder injury.
Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders) - Returned after being a late scratching for rd 16 with a “bang” to his calf.
Rivez Reihana (Crusaders) - Came off with a concussion in rd 16. Must have passed a follow-up HIA because he played off the bench this week.
Taylor Cahill (Crusaders) - Returned via the bench after missing rd 15-16 with a hamstring injury.
Braydon Ennor (Crusaders) - Came back via the bench after being pulled pregame rd 12.

Ongoing Injury List:

NEW ZEALAND

Blues
Jordan Lay - Missed rd 1 to 11 with a concussion. No return date set yet. Source.
Taufa Funaki - Came off the field with a shoulder injury late in the game in rd 11. Source.
Ben Ake - Came off in rd 12 after getting his foot caught spinning in a tackle. The mechanism looked like a syndesmosis injury; he was also grabbing at his shin, which fits our suspicion.
Sam Matenga - Listed as having a neck injury from rd 14. Source.
Dalton Papali’i - Broke his jaw in rd 13 and had surgery. Aiming to be fit for the semi or grand final. Source.
Josh Fusitu’a - Injured his elbow in rd 2 and had a biceps operation. Was meant to play rd 16 but got pulled late, apparently with a new hamstring injury.
Kurt Eklund - Out of the quarter-finals with a back injury. Source.

Chiefs
Xavier Roe - Has a hamstring injury as of rd 16. His return date is TBC. Source.
Daniel Rona - Listed as having a hand injury for the QF. Return date is tbc. Source.

Crusaders
Aki Tuivailala - Concussed in rd 4. Return date TBC. Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin - Out with a neck injury. Return date the GF at the earliest. Source.
Maloni Kunawave - Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd SF-GF. Source.
Seb Calder - Came off the field with a calf injury. Return date is TBC. Source.

Hurricanes
Nil

Gone for the season:

Dan Nelson (Brumbies) - Fractured his fibula in his lower leg before d 5. Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Source.
Kye Oates (Brumbies) - Fracture dislocation of his ankle before rd 8. He has already had an operation. They said he is aiming to be back in 12 weeks (so won’t play again this season), but I think this is probably being hopeful. Source.
Tuaina Taii Tualima (Brumbies) - Out with a shoulder injury as of rd 12. Had surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Source.
Chris Mickelson (Brumbies) - Sustained an ACL injury in rd 15. Out for the rest of the season. Source.
Kadin Pritchard (Brumbies) - Ruled out of rd 16 with a high-grade hamstring injury. Will miss the rest of the year. Source.
Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua) - Commentary said that Loganimasi came off with a dislocated wrist in rd 7. He has now been ruled out for the season with an arm injury, so we believe this is the reason. Source.
Epeli Momo (Drua) - Ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury before rd 8. Source.
Haereiti Hetet (Drua) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury, commentary confirmed he would be out for the season during rd 14. Source.
Meli Derenalagi (Drua) - Expected to miss the bulk of the season due to a 2nd ACL injury he suffered in April 2025. He could return at 9 months (late Jan), but it is more likely he is closer to 12 months, given it is his 2nd ACL injury. Source.
Aisea Nawai (Drua) - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a leg injury. Source.
Isikeli Basiyalo (Drua) - Came off in rd 10 straight after a dash down the sideline. He had his hammy taped up so we are assuming it is a hamstring muscle tear. He jogged off comfortably, but limped when walking which fits this diagnosis as well.
Motikiai Murray (Drua) - Now listed as having an arm injury before rd 12. Source.
Emosi Tuqiri (Drua) - Picked up a severe-looking leg (we think) injury in rd 14.
Mesake Vocevoce (Drua) - Pulled pregame rd 15 with a back injury. Source.
Joseva Tamani (Drua) - Injured rd 16, no more details available.
Temo Mayanavanua (Drua) - Pulled pregame rd 16, no more details available.
Darby Lancaster (Force) - Came down from taking a highball very awkwardly on his ankle in rd 8. The alarm bells rang after he said his “career” was over in a rd 10 interview; this has now been confirmed to be a mistake; he will just miss the rest of Super Rugby 2026. Source.
Henry Robertson (Force) - Tore his ACL in rd 13, will be out for the year. Source.
Alex Harford (Force) - Left the field in the trial against the Reds on Jan 23rd, holding his arm or shoulder in his jersey. Listed as a medium-term injury in rd 12. Source.
Ronan Leahy (Force) - Missed from rd 9 onwards with a knee injury. Source.
Tom Robertson (Force) - Injured his calf and missed rd 14-16. Source.
Angus Blyth (Waratahs) - Suffered a left ankle injury in rd 13. Judging by how his foot got caught under the maul, and how it was being assessed, he looks to have suffered a syndesmosis injury. This is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs) - Suffered a Lisfranc injury (foot) in rd 13 and will miss the rest of the season. Source.
Folau Fainga’a (Waratahs) - Succumbed to a left knee injury in rd 13 shortly after having it caught in a bit of an awkward tackle. McKellar said he was gone for the season in his post match pressor for rd 15.
Tom Lambert (Waratahs) - Came off with a knee injury in rd 12. We can’t confirm the injury details yet, but it sounds like he won’t play again in Super Rugby this year.
Austin Durbidge (Waratahs) - Has a concussion as of rd 16. Source.
Charlie Gamble (Waratahs) - Missed rd 16 with a thumb injury. Source.
Pete Samu (Waratahs) - Looked like he reinjured his MCL in his knee in rd 16. We assume it wasn’t his ACL the medical team let him try to play on.
Miles Amatasero (Waratahs) - Suffered a concussion in rd 16.
Jake Gordon (Waratahs) - Ruptured his Achilles in rd 16 so he will be gone for 6-9 months. Source.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Looks to have injured his MCL. Was seen in a knee brace on the sideline, so we think there is a good chance his Super Rugby season is done. Source.
Nicholas Conway (Reds) - Listed as injured in rd 4. Source.
Tom Lynagh (Reds) - Still struggling with a calf injury. Source.
Trevor King (Reds) - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12. Source.
Kingsley Uys (Reds) - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12, but he has been injured for at least 2 weeks. Source.
Frankie Goldsbrough (Reds) - Damaged his shoulder against NZ U20’s during rd 12. Source.
Isaac Henry (Reds) - Listed as injured before rd 15. Source.
John Bryant (Reds) - Listed as injured for the quarter-finals. Source.
Seru Uru (Reds) - Listed as injured for the quarter-finals. Source.

Dylan Pledger (Highlanders) - Ruled out of all rugby for the year following a training ground accident that resulted in a complete rupture of his ACL in January. Source.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders) - Now confirmed he dislocated his right shoulder while trying to pilfer during a ruck on the 6th of Feb. Confirmed he will be out for the full Super Rugby season with an aim to return in the July international window. Source.
Josh Tengblad (Highlanders) - Suffered an ACL injury in rd 5. Out for the season. Source.
Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders) - Sustained an ankle fracture in rd 10, requiring surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby Season. Source.
Josh Bartlett (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a foot injury. Gone for the season. Source.
Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) - Ruptured his left Achilles in rd 14, requiring 6-9 months to return. Source.
Finn Hurley (Highlanders) - Suffered a hamstring injury in his first game of the season in rd 10. Expected back for finals but they didn’t make it. Source.
Nikora Broughton (Highlanders) - Looks to have injured his left knee. Aiming to return in the QF but they didn’t make finals. Source.
Jonah Lowe (Highlanders) - Came off injured in rd 15. No word as to why yet.
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Highlanders) - Given a red card for a high tackle on Flanders in rd 15. Banned for 4 weeks. Yet to be determined if he can drop it by one week through tackle school given he did it last year. Source.
Harry Godfrey (Hurricanes) - Expected to miss the 2026 Super Rugby season due to an ACL injury. Source.
Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) - Stretchered off with a right knee injury. They haven’t told us what the injury is, but it was confirmed during rd 3 that he is having surgery and is out for the season. Source.
Riley Higgins (Hurricanes) - Has a shoulder injury since before rd 12. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.
Cam Christie (Blues) - Hobbled off with a knee ligament injury in the Jan 30th trial. Now confirmed, he is out for the season. Source.
James Cameron (Blues) - As of rd 16 he has an injury to his legs. He is out for the season. Source.
Hemopo Cunningham (Blues) - As of rd 16 he is out with a foot injury. He is out for the season. Source.
James White (Crusaders) - Suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Source.
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders) - Ruled out after rd 7 for the year with an infection of a disc in his back (Discitis). He will make a full recovery, but won’t play until at least the first international window. Source.
Toby Bell (Crusaders) - Listed as having a season-ending shoulder injury as of rd 15. Source.
Mitch Drummond (Crusaders) - Listed as having a season-ending shoulder injury as of rd 15. Source.
Scott Barrett (Crusaders) - Returned from his sabbatical, but now carrying a back injury. Officially ruled out for the season. Source.
Will Tucker (Crusaders) - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a concussion. As of rd 16 he is out with a shoulder injury for the season. Source.
Xavier Saifoloi (Crusaders) - Rd 16 he is listed as having a shoulder injury, Out for the season. Source.
Will Jordan (Crusaders) - Restrained his calf. He is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, so they have ruled him out for the rest of the season. Source.
Jayden Sa (Chiefs) - Suffered a new shoulder injury in rd 5. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Chiefs) - Missed rd 8 with a foot injury. He has now been ruled out for the season. Source.
Emoni Narawa (Chiefs) - Came off at halftime in rd 8 with a foot injury. Now ruld out for the season. Source.
Tupou Afungia (Moana) - Recovered from a neck injury, but suffered a concussion in rd 3. Now listed as a neck injury again in rd 6. Source.
Lolani Faleiva (Moana) - Has a shoulder injury. No return date announced. Source.
Julian Savea (Moana) - Came off in rd 6 with a nasty-looking shoulder injury. We suspect he has dislocated it, so he will be out for some time. Source.
Tito Tuipulotu (Moana) - Missing rd 7 with a thumb injury. Source.
Monu Moli (Moana) - Has a new foot injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Ngani Laumape (Moana) - Has a new knee injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Tevita Ofa (Moana) - Has a new finger injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Niko Jones (Moana) - Limped off the field in rd 9 with a calf injury. Source.
Melani Matavao (Moana) - Hurt his left knee shooting out of the line in defence in rd 10. We haven’t heard any more info yet. Source.
Lalomilo Lalomilo (Moana) - Came off with what looked like quite a bad calf injury. Initially, he reacted like he had ruptured his Achilles, but he was eventually able to slowly walk off the pitch. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine (Moana) - Pulled pregame rd 12 with a calf injury. Source.
Jimmy Tupou - Listed as having a back injury in rd 16. Source.
Israel Leota (Moana) - Helped off the field with what looked like a very sore ankle or leg injury in rd 16.
Faletoi Peni (Moana) - Shown a red card for a high tackle in rd 16, but also because it was his second yellow card. He will face the judiciary.
Paula Latu (Moana) - The reserve prop was helped back off the field at 66 min with an injury in rd 16.

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Written by your local rugby nerd, Harrison Dale.

To see how the Super Rugby experts play the game (James & Tom Marshall, Johnny McNicholl, Tino Nemani, Quentin MacDonald, Ben Searle, Jake & the Stats Man), navigate to the leagues menu and select the “What A Lad” League, or click HERE.

Round 16 Matchup Reviews

Jakeabernethy14’s Team vs. jmacsmen’s

Result: 555 – 388

The championship-defining fixture. Heading into the final weekend, Jakeabernethy14’s Team was on the precipice of absolute greatness, needing a big performance to lock away the title. Standing in his way was Johnny McNicholl (jmacsmen’s), a team perfectly capable of playing the ultimate, heartbreaking spoiler.

Jake left absolutely nothing to chance, executing his selection game plan with military precision. His squad put together a breathtaking, clinical performance to breach the 550 threshold, scoring exactly 555 points to collect a season-defining Attacking Bonus Point. Leading the charge for the newly crowned champion was a majestic 79 points from back-rower Christian Lio-Willie, a brilliant 70 from center Dallas McLeod, and a classy 50 from flyhalf Josh Jacomb.

Johnny McNicholl’s side completely faltered under the immense pressure, bottoming out at a dismal 388 points. The tactical decision to start Treyvon Pritchard backfired spectacularly with a 1-point return, and while Sam Darry (57) and Zarn Sullivan (34) fought to keep things respectable, the absolute absence of starting front-rowers completely tanked his momentum. With this emphatic victory, Jakeabernethy14’s Team finishes 1st overall with 68 competition points and is officially crowned the “What A Lad League” Champion!

What a Lad vs. Rams nation

Result: 479 – 403

The league’s namesake franchise, What a Lad (James Marshall), did everything in his power to keep the pressure on the top spot until the final whistle. Squaring off against Rams nation, he ground out a solid 479 points to handle their business comfortably. While the victory was anchored by Patrick Pellegrini’s excellent 78 points from flyhalf and Tom Wright’s 53, the real fireworks were left rotting on the bench. In an absolute coaching disasterclass that will haunt him all summer, What a Lad left center Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (54 points) on the bench.

Rams nation put up a proud fight to post a baseline of 403, heavily driven by a vintage 55 points from back-rower Rob Valetini and 44 from scrumhalf Kyle Preston off the bench. Unfortunately, he simply lacked the high-end scoring depth required to mount a genuine upset, with winger Mac Grealy offering up a catastrophic 5-point performance. While What a Lad takes the regular-season closing win, Jake’s bonus-point explosion in the parallel match means he must settle for a proud, clear 2nd place overall on 62 points.

Searleytalkssport’s Team vs. qmix02’s Team

Result: 442 – 391

A high-tension, anxiety-inducing battle at the foot of the table. Heading into this round, Ben Searle (searleytalkssport’s Team) was firmly anchored to the bottom tier, effectively playing for nothing but basic human dignity and a statement win to close out a long season.

He did exactly that, stringing together a gritty 442 points to edge past Quentin MacDonald’s (qmix02’s Team). The wooden-spoon outlaws were lifted by a magnificent performance from Johnny McNicholl, who went completely nuclear for 81 points in the starting XV. Prop Allan Alaalatoa (41) provided the necessary tight-five grunt to hold the line.

Quentin’s side was completely blown away by a massive, game-winning 113-point masterpiece from Sevu Reece running riot for Searley. Quentin tried to return fire with Mills Sanerivi (35), but a tragic, comedy-grade 1-point outing from Joey Walton sealed his fate at 391. Because qmix02’s Team finished within 51 points of Searley, they agonizingly missed out on a losing bonus point by a single point. The victory lets Ben Searle finish the year on a high note, even if their place at the absolute bottom of the table was already mathematically sealed.

Tojos Troops vs. onit26’s Team

Result: 427 – 394

A highly competitive mid-table clash to close out the year. Tom Marshall (Tojos Troops) secured his position in the upper crust of the league by navigating a tricky encounter with Tino Nemani (onit26’s Team), winning 427 to 394. Tojos Troops relied on a balanced team effort, getting a vital 48 points from lock Jeremy Williams, a sharp 43 from Max Jorgensen, and a strong 40 from prop George Dyer in the engine room.

Tino’s squad put up a massive fight to stay in the hunt until the final whistle, heavily supported by an outstanding 64-point clinic from Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and a destructive 57 from winger Filipo Daugunu. In the end, their 394-point total kept them within the 50-point margin of defeat. This earned them a highly respectable Losing Bonus Point, allowing them to finish tied on competition points with qmix02’s Team in the final standings.

Round 16 Fantasy Facts

• Round MVP: Sevu Reece (113 points) – Searleytalkssport.

• Best Free Agent: Seru Uru (94 points) - Reds.

• Super Sub: Lachie Anderson (63 points) - Searleytalkssport.

• The Bench Nightmare: Qmix started Nathan Hastie (12), leaving Ryan Lonergan (36 points) on the bench.

The Table:

Written by Harrison Dale

As the final whistle blew on Round 16, the regular season table locked. The top four have punched entries into the premier playoff bracket, positions 5 and 6 see their season come to a quiet end, and the bottom two are officially condemned to a psychological war of attrition to avoid the wooden spoon.

For the manager landing in absolute last place, there is no hiding. They must face the music and produce the league punishment: a viral “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) video posted across our socials right before the Super Rugby Grand Final, meticulously explaining exactly where their tactical brain failed them while slathering on skincare or makeup.

What is the OG League? For those newcomers joining us, The OG League is the founding Draft Rugby fantasy league and is in its 14th year of playing Draft Rugby. The OG League is a public and featured league on the draft rugby platform that you can follow along for the season if you have signed up to the platform. You can find it on the public leagues page featured at the top of draftrugby.com/leagues/join

Super Rugby Pacific Round 16 Top Performers

You can read about the full round 16 team of the week here.

Trades: The “Warm Body” Overhaul & Blockbuster Mercenaries

Because our league operates on a radical rule set where team rosters are completely wiped for the finals, nobody cares about long-term stashing. Trade night at the pub was an absolute arms race of manager-to-manager bartering and waiver churning to ensure everyone had a viable starter or a backup “warm body” on the bench to protect against pre-game scratchings.

• Triple Trouble: In the most significant manager-to-manager deal of the window, James Wylie accepted a massive proposal from Blake Palmer verbatim, trading away Kyle Brown, Christian Lio-Willie, and Siale Lauaki in exchange for Pita Ahki, Brad Shields, and Daniel Botha. Wylie’s move to yield Lio-Willie (79) proved historic for Blake, though Wylie’s own results were season defining as well.

• The Late-Night Sweep: In another major manager trade, Harrison Dale accepted David Carr-Gregg’s proposal to acquire superstar Hoskins Sotutu in exchange for Torian Barnes. Cargie wanted his namesake back for the “mana” it added to the boys; Harry wanted a starter. A match made in heaven, if only Harry actually played his new acquisition…

• The Panic Waiver Flood: Right before the deadline, managers aggressively cycled players to cover late injuries. Alexander Nabung swapped Jock Campbell for Liam Coombes-Fabling (56), while Nelson Dale accepted Nabung’s proposal earlier in the night to deal away Charlie Gamble and Zuriel Togiatama for Rory Scott and George Bell.

You can check out the casualty ward updates for rounds 16-QF, detailing all Super Rugby Pacific 2026 injuries and returns here.

Round 16 Fixtures:

Leicester We Forget the Toole Shed vs. Samisonic The Hedgehog

Result: 484 – 452 (Season Series: SAMISONIC wins 2-1)

The bloodiest battle of the weekend was a pure family feud. Harry (Leicester) and Nelson (Samisonic) are brothers, rivals, and owners of deep psychological scars. Heading into the week, Nelson had won both prior matchups this year and was gunning for a clean 3-0 season sweep to officially “Make Harry his Bitch”, our sacred league term for a single-season manager sweep. Nelson was also desperate to push his brother into the last-place spot.

Instead, the script flipped entirely. Despite a brilliant 78-point performance from Patrick Pellegrini, and a return to form for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (54) for Nelson, his team collapsed under the weight of a late pre-game scratch for Ethan Blackadder. Harry capitalised on the void, riding a proud 74 from Matt Faessler and 64 from Semisi Tupou to pull off a massive 32-point upset. Both managers left alot of points on the bench, either capable of pulling off the win with better coaching decisions.

Adding insult to literal injury, Harry even managed to get Wallabies star and draft rugby icon Nick Frost to record a personalised video sending his mock condolences to Nelson. Nelson’s premier championship hunt takes a dent, while Harry leapt out of the basement at the last second.

Lam & Order vs. Roigardians of the Galaxy

Result: 379 – 566 (Season Series: Roigardians wins 2-1)

With the bottom four incredibly tight, this fixture was effectively a sudden-death playoff to avoid the skincare tripod. Sean Stokoe (Lam & Order) had spent a massive chunk of the season dreaming of his first finals appearance, but a poor run of form meant he entered the round in extreme danger. Alexander Nabung (Roigardians), who sat comfortably in 1st place early in the year before an unprecedented 8-game losing slide, desperately needed to steady the ship.

It turned into an absolute massacre. Nabung’s squad finally found its rhythm, engineered by a clinical 70 from Dallas McLeod and 66 from Naitoa Ah Kuoi to hit 566 points, securing an Attacking Bonus Point that meant 5th place was guaranteed. Sean’s team completely fell apart. Mac Grealy (5) and Treyvon Pritchard (1) left his backline completely hollowed out.

The 379-point horror show officially lands Sean in dead last for the first time all year. In an unbelievable twist of fate, Sean claimed the wooden spoon and the punishment last season as well! Despite a massive overall points improvement this year, he has gone back-to-back in last place and is officially booked for the viral GRWM video.

Situti Down vs. The Toole Shed

Result: 549 – 620 (Season Series: Situti wins 2-1)

James Wylie (The Toole Shed) continued the greatest of great escapes, dropping an absolute bomb on Cargie (Situti Down) to completely shake up the top four. Wylie’s squad was absolutely electric, anchored by monstrous performances from the Crusaders outside backs, round-high 113-point masterpiece from Sevu Reece and a stellar 81 from Johnny McNicholl. Another great trade night pickup and one week wonder Tyrone Thompson (67) also assisted Wylie to clear the 550 threshold easily for an Attacking Bonus Point that took him out of last place.

Cargie put up a highly competitive 549, missing an attacking bonus by just a single point. Ioane Moananu (57), Rob Valetini (55), Tom Wright & Chay Fihaki (both 53) worked like crazy, but Wylie’s backline was simply too powerful. Cargie also couldn’t manage a losing bonus point, but even if he’d bagged the bonus points this week it wouldn’t have been enough to lift him to third as he’s so hoped and he is destined to face the minor premier in the semi-finals!

Ofa Tu’ungaFAST & The Furious vs. Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum

Result: 535 – 580 (Season Series: Expecto wins 2-1)

A blockbuster preview of the premier finals bracket. Minor Premier Blake (Ofa Tu’ungaFAST & Furious) rested a few key assets but still put up a robust 535, highlighted by Christian Lio-Willie (79), the premier asset he ruthlessly extracted from Wylie in the manager trade window, alongside handy shifts from Kyren Taumoefolau (51) and Josh Jacomb (50). However, Andrew (Expecto) was absolutely merciless. Guided by a 94-point demolition from Seru Uru and a classy 64 from Dylan Pietsch, Andrew stormed his way to 580 points to secure a crucial Attacking Bonus Point, carrying red-hot momentum into the post-season.

This spectacular win means Andrew finishes his debut Super Rugby fantasy campaign sitting proudly in a massive second place, with the ultimate prize well within his crosshairs. If the league ever needed definitive proof of the terrifying advancements in artificial intelligence, look no further than the history books. In 2025, the draft algorithm notoriously led Sean straight to a wooden spoon; twelve months later, Andrew’s data-driven AI masterclass has him on the precipice of landing a maiden title.

How Our Finals System Works 🏆🪵

Because Draft Rugby doesn’t have an inbuilt finals engine quite yet (we are developing it, don’t worry!), leagues looking to run a postseason simply need to spin up a brand new public league on the site with only the qualified managers involved. We need to get the finals fixtures into our system and come lineups time on Wednesday we should be good to go! Here is how the OG League postseason will shake out over the next two weeks:

• The Championship Bracket (1 v 4 & 2 v 3): Minor Premiers Blake (1) will play Cargie (4), while Andrew (2) takes on Nelson (3). They will square off across a two-week aggregate point series. Crucially, managers will redraft a brand new 23-man squad from scratch for each individual week, picking in order from 1-4 (a linear draft), in contrast to the preseason snake draft. The two managers with the highest combined scores over the two weeks will advance to the sudden-death Grand Final, which mirrors the real Super Rugby Grand Final.

• The Wooden Spoon Playoff (7 v 8): Position 5 (Nabung) and Position 6 (Harry) have run their race and can sit back to watch the chaos. Instead, Wylie (7) and Sean (8) enter a two-week circle of hell. They will also redraft a brand-new squad for both weeks. The manager with the lowest combined score after two weeks officially gets their name etched onto the physical Wooden Spoon trophy.

Round 16 OG League Fantasy Facts

• Best Player: Sevu Reece (113 points) - Wylie.

• Best Trade: Blake Palmer trading in Christian Lio-Willie (79) in a 6-player trade with Wylie.

• Best Free Agent: Reon Paul (83) - Chiefs.

• Biggest Coaching Mistake: Nelson Dale leaving Filipo Daugunu (57) on the bench, playing Israel Leota (1) instead.

The OG League Table After Round 16:

Blake wraps up a dominant minor premiership campaign on 55 points, with Andrew storming into second on 49 in his maiden OG league season. Nelson settles for third (44), while Cargie narrowly kept his final playoff spot on 41 points. Sean’s late collapse drops him straight to the bottom of the ladder on 31 points.

Will Sean’s lessons from his 2025 last-place finish save him in the Wooden Spoon draft, or is Wylie’s transformed Shed going to put the final, devastating gloss on his back-to-back nightmare?

Logged-in users can view the full OG League results and detailed breakdowns here.

What’s New on Draft Rugby?

This week we have some big announcements to make, so we are going to publish a separate article detailing it all!

Written by Harrison Dale

The final round of the regular season was an absolute clinic in drama, serving as a brutal reminder of why league titles are decided in the trenches. While the minor premier Hurricanes rested their frontline stars, the Crusaders delivered an emphatic 47-14 statement to leapfrog the Blues and lock down third spot. Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika pulled off the upset of the year, shocking the Brumbies 21-19 in Canberra in what is most likely their final game.

But the biggest talking point heading into the Qualifying Finals is the state of the Casualty Ward. The Crusaders’ campaign has been dealt a massive blow with superstar fullback Will Jordan ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury. With squad depth tested like never before, navigating the Trade Window is your final chance to find that 1% edge over your mates. If you don’t have the high-volume workhorses who stepped up to dominate this week, you’re playing catch-up before the playoffs even begin.

Team of the Week

1: Misinale Epenisa – Prop, Force (63 pts)

Epenisa put on a masterclass in front-row work-rate to end the Force’s season on a high. In 62 minutes of action, he recorded 13 tackles, won 10 scrums, and scored a crucial close-range try. In our position-specific scoring engine, a prop delivering this level of physical grit is pure fantasy gold.

2: Matt Faessler – Hooker, Reds (74 pts)

Faessler finally showed the form we were waiting for all season. His 74-point display against the Drua was fueled by a clinical brace of tries, 16 tackles, and 12 successful lineout throws. In form, he is a premier, high-floor asset to anchor your front row heading into the finals.

3: Pouri Rakete-Stones – Prop, Hurricanes (52 pts)

High-impact reserve play at its finest. Rakete-Stones played just 40 minutes but recorded a try, 8 tackles, and won 7 scrums. His ability to win collisions and generate quick-ball platforms makes him an invaluable asset for managers looking to exploit front-row rotations.

4: Seru Uru – Lock, Reds (94 pts)

Uru showed his true fantasy colours, getting a start in the back row. He stuffed the stat sheet with 1 try, 11 passes, 15 carries (12 over the gain line), 14 tackles, and 2 turnovers won. His ability to contribute across every single category makes him an absolute mandatory starter.

5: Naitoa Ah Kuoi – Lock, Chiefs (66 pts)

Ah Kuoi was an engine-room marvel in the Chiefs’ emphatic Hamilton victory. He secured 19 tackles and hit 29 rucks, providing the “grit” that allowed the Chiefs’ backline to run riot against the Blues. He is a highly reliable set-piece and defensive workhorse.

6: Christian Lio-Willie – Back Row, Crusaders (79 pts)

Lio-Willie was a human wrecking ball against the Hurricanes, recording 17 carries (12 over the gain line) and 11 tackles. His try and 23 ruck arrivals provided a massive scoring floor, proving why he is a top-tier back-row option.

7: Johnny Lee – Back Row, Crusaders (71 pts)

A performance defined by pure, relentless involvement. Lee hit an astronomical 42 rucks (33 in attack) and secured 3 turnovers. If you want a player who rewards you through work-rate and breakdown dominance rather than just crossing the paint, Lee is your man.

8: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa – Back Row, Moana Pasifika (64 pts)

Tupou Ta’eiloa has been the heartbeat of the Moana pack all season. He inspired the historic upset in Canberra with 13 carries, 10 tackles, and 8 tackle busts, showcasing a physical directness that consistently bends the defensive line.

9: Cam Roigard – Scrumhalf, Hurricanes (49 pts)

Returning from a calf injury to start, Roigard got through a sharp 40-minute shift to test his fitness before the playoffs. He delivered 32 passes and a try assist, reminding managers that he remains the premier halfback threat when fit.

10: Patrick Pellegrini – Flyhalf, Moana Pasifika (78 pts)

The undisputed hero of GIO Stadium. Pellegrini orchestrated Moana’s famous win with a brilliant playmaking display, bagging a brace of tries and 16 individual points while kicking for 367 metres to completely control territory.

11: Sevu Reece – Outside Back, Crusaders (113 pts)

Player of the Round. Reece was simply unstoppable in Christchurch. He delivered a masterclass with 2 tries, 2 try assists, 7 tackle busts, and 5 offloads. No matter the backline the Crusaders put out, Reece is the primary strike weapon for their title charge.

12: Dallas McLeod – Centre, Crusaders (70 pts)

McLeod provided the physical directness and stability the Crusaders needed in the midfield. He recorded 16 carries, 10 tackles, 6 tackle busts, and 3 line-break assists to consistently set up his outside backs in space.

13: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii – Centre, Waratahs (54 pts)

Returning from a hamstring complaint, Suaalii immediately proved his world-class athleticism. He recorded 11 carries (9 over the gain line), 5 tackle busts, and 42 post-contact metres, showcasing a physical dominance that makes him a premier midfield asset.

14: Reon Paul – Outside Back, Chiefs (83 pts)

Paul delivered a massive 80-minute shift to dominate wide channels. He recorded a try, 16 carries, and 15 tackles, proving that an outside back playing centre who isn’t afraid of the defensive dirty work is absolute gold in head-to-head leagues.

15: Johnny McNicholl – Outside Back, Crusaders (81 pts)

Stepping into the fullback jersey for Will Jordan, McNicholl didn’t miss a beat. He recorded a try, 2 try assists, 4 line breaks, and 100 carry metres, proving his dangerous counter-attacking game is a lethal weapon for the playoffs.

Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)

• Johnny McNicholl (Crusaders - Outside Back): With Will Jordan officially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a calf injury, McNicholl has inherited the keys to the Crusaders’ fullback jersey. His stellar Round 16 display (1 try, 2 assists, 100 run metres) proved he is a high-volume playmaker who will act as a primary strike runner during the playoffs.

• Johnny Lee (Crusaders - Back Row): Lee continues to rise as a premier, high-floor forward option. With the Crusaders constantly rotating their back-row stocks, Lee’s work-rate has reached elite heights, hitting a staggering 42 rucks and winning 3 turnovers this week. Grab this relentless anchor before his ownership climbs if he starts again.

• Seru Uru (Queensland Reds - Lock): With the Reds naming him to start at blindside flanker (No. 6) this week, Uru is the ultimate out-of-position cheat code. Because he retains Lock eligibility on the platform, his open-field runs in the backrow are rewarded with the boosted Tight Five carry bonus (1 point per 5 metres carried instead of 10). Coming off a massive 94-point display featuring 15 carries, 14 tackles, and a try, his dual-position utility makes him a must-claim asset.

Written by Harry Dale

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Note: The Casualty Ward will be released Sunday/ Monday for all paid subscribers, and Thursday for all free readers.

New Injuries Round 16:

Kadin Pritchard (Brumbies) - Ruled out of rd 16 with a high-grade hamstring injury. Will miss the rest of the year. Source.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Looks to have injured his MCL. Was seen in a knee brace on the sideline, so we think there is a good chance his Super Rugby season is done. Source.
Joseva Tamani (Drua) - Came off late in the first half. We couldn’t see why.
Temo Mayanavanua (Drua) - Pulled pregame. No word as to why yet.
Pete Samu (Waratahs) - Looked like he reinjured his MCL in his knee. We assume it wasn’t his ACL the medical team let him try to play on.
Miles Amatasero (Waratahs) - Suffered a concussion.
Jake Gordon (Waratahs) - Ruptured his Achilles so he will be gone for 6-9 months. Source.

Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders) - A late scratching for rd 16 with a “bang” to his calf. Source.
Rivez Reihana (Crusaders) - Came off early with a concussion and didn’t return to the field. Given the mandatory stand down period he is unlikely to be available for the QF.
Fletcher Newell (Crusaders) - Came off with an innocuous looking left knee injury. No word as to the seriousness yet. Source.
Seb Calder (Crusaders) - Came off the field with a calf injury. Source.
Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes) - Came off for an HIA and didn’t return, so unlikely to be ready to play the QF.
Israel Leota (Moana) - Helped off the field with what looked like a very sore ankle or leg injury.
Faletoi Peni (Moana) - Shown a red card for a high tackle, but also because it was his second yellow card. He will face the judiciary.
Paula Latu (Moana) - The reserve prop was helped back off the field at 66 min with an injury.
Joshua Fusitu’a (Blues) - Pulled pregame after we thought he had recovered from a bicep operation.

Likely Back for the Quarter Finals:

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds) - Missed the last 2 rounds waiting on the birth of his child. Should be available this week. Source.

Josh Fusitu’a (Blues) - Injured his elbow in rd 2 and had a biceps operation. Was meant to play rd 16 but got pulled late. If it was the same injury then he should be back. Source.
Beauden Barrett (Blues) - Out of rd 16 with a quad strain. Aiming to return for finals. Source.
Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) - Sitting our rd 16 with a neck injury. Aiming to return for finals. Source.
Bradley Slater (Blues) - Failed his HIA in rd 14 will go through the normal concussion protocols, but won’t play rd 16.
Cullen Grace (Crusaders) - “Busted” his patella in August for Canterbury. Aiming to return for the QF. Source.
Taylor Cahill (Crusaders) - Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd QF-SF. Source.
George Bell (Crusaders) - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd QF-SF. Source.
Leroy Carter (Chiefs) - Came off with a hamstring injury in rd 11. Aiming to return for the quarter finals. Source.
Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) - Had a bad-looking concussion in rd 14. Hopefully back for the QF. Source.
Ollie Norris (Chiefs) - A knee injury kept him out of rd 16. Aiming to return in the quarter-finals. Source.
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes) - Pulled pregame rd 15 with a hamstring injury. Hopefully back for the QF. Source.
Siale Lauaki (Hurricanes) - Off after 30 minutes with a hamstring injury in rd 15. Expected back for the QF. Source.

Returned in Round 16:

Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs) - Returned on the wing after overcoming his rd 13 concussion.
Pete Samu (Waratahs) - Returned from a rd 13 knee injury only to pick up another.
Joseph Sua’ali’i (Waratahs) - Looked fit starting at outside centre after pulling out with hammy tightness back in rd 14.
Jake Gordon (Waratahs) - Started after missing rd 15 due to illness. Tore his Achilles in the game so you’ll find him in the new injuries as well.
Charlie Cale (Brumbies) - Played his first game back after recovering from a rd 9 shoulder injury.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Started in the 12 jersey after missing last week with a niggle.
Aidan Ross (Reds) - Started after being injured since before rd 12.
George Bridge (Force) - Returned after being rested in rd 15 due to soreness.
Ben Donaldson (Force) - Started after missing the last two weeks with a quad injury.

Pita Ahki (Blues) - Started after missing the last two weeks with a quad injury.
Ofa Tuʻungafasi (Blues) - Was a late call-up on the bench after overcoming a rd 14 concussion.
Hoskins Sotutu (Blues) - Took his place on the bench after recovering from a rd 14 concussion.
Corey Evans (Blues) - Played his first game of the season of the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.
Josh Beehre (Blues) - Recovered from a back injury to start after missing the previous 3 weeks.
Codemeru Vai (Blues) - Came back off the bench after recovering from an ankle injury that cost him the previous two weeks.
Finlay Brewis (Crusaders) - Played off the bench after recovering from a rd 11 calf injury.
Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes) - Played his first game after a rd 7 ankle injury.
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) - Played 40 minutes after missing the previous four weeks with a calf injury.
Lalakai Foketi (Chiefs) - Came off the bench after recovering from a calf injury.
Tuna Tuitama (Moana) - Back on the bench after being pulled pregame last week.

Ongoing Injury List:

AUSTRALIA

Brumbies
Ollie Sapsford - Suffered a knee injury in rd 15. Expected back rd in the SF best case. Source.

Reds
Nicholas Conway - Listed as injured in rd 4. Source.
Tom Lynagh - Still struggling with a calf injury. Source.
Trevor King - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12. Source.
Kingsley Uys - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12, but he has been injured for at least 2 weeks. Source.
Frankie Goldsbrough - Damaged his shoulder against NZ U20’s during rd 12. Source.
Isaac Henry - Listed as injured before rd 15. Source.

NEW ZEALAND

Blues
Jordan Lay - Missed rd 1 to 11 with a concussion. No return date set yet. Source.
Taufa Funaki - Came off the field with a shoulder injury late in the game in rd 11. Source.
Ben Ake - Came off in rd 12 after getting his foot caught spinning in a tackle. The mechanism looked like a syndesmosis injury; he was also grabbing at his shin, which fits our suspicion.
Sam Matenga - Listed as having a neck injury from rd 14. Source.
Dalton Papali’i - Broke his jaw in rd 13 and had surgery. Aiming to be fit for the semi or grand final. Source.

Chiefs
Reuben O’Neill - Picked up a concussion in rd 14. Return date is TBC. Source.
Etene Nanai-Seturo - Missed rd 8 with a foot injury. His return has gone from the QF to TBC before rd 16. Source.
Emoni Narawa - Came off at halftime in rd 8 with a foot injury. As of rd 16 he is aiming to play in the semi final. Source.
Kyle Brown - The commentators announced that he came off in rd 15 with a hamstring injury.
Isaac Hutchinson - Has a concussion before rd 16. His return date is TBC. Source.
Xavier Roe - Has a hamstring injury as of rd 16. His return date is TBC. Source.

Crusaders
Aki Tuivailala - Concussed in rd 4. Return date TBC. Source.
Braydon Ennor - Pulled pregame rd 12. Has a hamstring injury and is expected back for the QF-SF. Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin - Out with a neck injury. Return date the GF at the earliest. Source.
Kurtis MacDonald - Tackled Perofeta in the air in rd 13, he landed on his head, so Kurtis was given a red card. Banned for 4 weeks, so he could only return in the grand final if needed.
Maloni Kunawave - Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd SF-GF. Source.

Hurricanes
Ben Lopes - Missed rd 13 with a calf injury. Source.
Drew Wild - Listed as having a shoulder injury before rd 15. Return date is the SF. Source.
Josh Gray - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 15. Return date is TBC. Source.
Anaru Paenga-Morgan - Listed as having a concussion before rd 15. Return date is the QF. Source.
Fehi Fineanganofo - Out with a hamstring injury for rd 16. Hoping to play the SF. Source.
Devan Flanders - Knocked out in an unlucky collision in rd 15. Will go through the standard RTP protocols, so hopefully back for the SF. Source.
Du’Plessis Kirifi - Left the field with a shoulder “niggle” in rd 15. We suspect it was his shoulder that he hurt in the act of scoring. Seen as a “week to week” prospect. Source.
Ngane Punivai - Came off with a shoulder injury in rd 15. Seen as a “week to week” prospect. Source.

Gone for the season:

Dan Nelson (Brumbies) - Fractured his fibula in his lower leg before d 5. Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Source.
Kye Oates (Brumbies) - Fracture dislocation of his ankle before rd 8. He has already had an operation. They said he is aiming to be back in 12 weeks (so won’t play again this season), but I think this is probably being hopeful. Source.
Tuaina Taii Tualima (Brumbies) - Out with a shoulder injury as of rd 12. Had surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Source.
Chris Mickelson (Brumbies) - Sustained an ACL injury in rd 15. Out for the rest of the season. Source.
Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua) - Commentary said that Loganimasi came off with a dislocated wrist in rd 7. He has now been ruled out for the season with an arm injury, so we believe this is the reason. Source.
Epeli Momo (Drua) - Ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury before rd 8. Source.
Haereiti Hetet (Drua) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury, commentary confirmed he would be out for the season during rd 14. Source.
Meli Derenalagi (Drua) - Expected to miss the bulk of the season due to a 2nd ACL injury he suffered in April 2025. He could return at 9 months (late Jan), but it is more likely he is closer to 12 months, given it is his 2nd ACL injury. Source.
Aisea Nawai (Drua) - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a leg injury. Source.
Isikeli Basiyalo (Drua) - Came off in rd 10 straight after a dash down the sideline. He had his hammy taped up so we are assuming it is a hamstring muscle tear. He jogged off comfortably, but limped when walking which fits this diagnosis as well.
Motikiai Murray (Drua) - Now listed as having an arm injury before rd 12. Source.
Emosi Tuqiri (Drua) - Picked up a severe-looking leg (we think) injury in rd 14.
Mesake Vocevoce (Drua) - Pulled pregame rd 15 with a back injury. Source.
Darby Lancaster (Force) - Came down from taking a highball very awkwardly on his ankle in rd 8. The alarm bells rang after he said his “career” was over in a rd 10 interview; this has now been confirmed to be a mistake; he will just miss the rest of Super Rugby 2026. Source.
Henry Robertson (Force) - Tore his ACL in rd 13, will be out for the year. Source.
Alex Harford (Force) - Left the field in the trial against the Reds on Jan 23rd, holding his arm or shoulder in his jersey. Listed as a medium-term injury in rd 12. Source.
Ronan Leahy (Force) - Missed from rd 9 onwards with a knee injury. Source.
Tom Robertson (Force) - Injured his calf and missed rd 14-16. Source.
Angus Blyth (Waratahs) - Suffered a left ankle injury in rd 13. Judging by how his foot got caught under the maul, and how it was being assessed, he looks to have suffered a syndesmosis injury. This is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs) - Suffered a Lisfranc injury (foot) in rd 13 and will miss the rest of the season. Source.
Folau Fainga’a (Waratahs) - Succumbed to a left knee injury in rd 13 shortly after having it caught in a bit of an awkward tackle. McKellar said he was gone for the season in his post match pressor for rd 15.
Tom Lambert (Waratahs) - Came off with a knee injury in rd 12. We can’t confirm the injury details yet, but it sounds like he won’t play again in Super Rugby this year.
Austin Durbidge (Waratahs) - Has a concussion as of rd 16. Source.
Charlie Gamble (Waratahs) - Missed rd 16 with a thumb injury. Source.

Dylan Pledger (Highlanders) - Ruled out of all rugby for the year following a training ground accident that resulted in a complete rupture of his ACL in January. Source.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders) - Now confirmed he dislocated his right shoulder while trying to pilfer during a ruck on the 6th of Feb. Confirmed he will be out for the full Super Rugby season with an aim to return in the July international window. Source.
Josh Tengblad (Highlanders) - Suffered an ACL injury in rd 5. Out for the season. Source.
Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders) - Sustained an ankle fracture in rd 10, requiring surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby Season. Source.
Josh Bartlett (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a foot injury. Gone for the season. Source.
Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) - Ruptured his left Achilles in rd 14, requiring 6-9 months to return. Source.
Finn Hurley (Highlanders) - Suffered a hamstring injury in his first game of the season in rd 10. Expected back for finals but they didn’t make it. Source.
Nikora Broughton (Highlanders) - Looks to have injured his left knee. Aiming to return in the QF but they didn’t make finals. Source.
Jonah Lowe (Highlanders) - Came off injured in rd 15. No word as to why yet.
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Highlanders) - Given a red card for a high tackle on Flanders in rd 15. Banned for 4 weeks. Yet to be determined if he can drop it by one week through tackle school given he did it last year. Source.
Harry Godfrey (Hurricanes) - Expected to miss the 2026 Super Rugby season due to an ACL injury. Source.
Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) - Stretchered off with a right knee injury. They haven’t told us what the injury is, but it was confirmed during rd 3 that he is having surgery and is out for the season. Source.
Riley Higgins (Hurricanes) - Has a shoulder injury since before rd 12. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.
Cam Christie (Blues) - Hobbled off with a knee ligament injury in the Jan 30th trial. Now confirmed, he is out for the season. Source.
James Cameron (Blues) - As of rd 16 he has an injury to his legs. He is out for the season. Source.
Hemopo Cunningham (Blues) - As of rd 16 he is out with a foot injury. He is out for the season. Source.
James White (Crusaders) - Suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Source.
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders) - Ruled out after rd 7 for the year with an infection of a disc in his back (Discitis). He will make a full recovery, but won’t play until at least the first international window. Source.
Toby Bell (Crusaders) - Listed as having a season-ending shoulder injury as of rd 15. Source.
Mitch Drummond (Crusaders) - Listed as having a season-ending shoulder injury as of rd 15. Source.
Scott Barrett (Crusaders) - Returned from his sabbatical, but now carrying a back injury. Officially ruled out for the season. Source.
Will Tucker (Crusaders) - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a concussion. As of rd 16 he is out with a shoulder injury for the season. Source.
Xavier Saifoloi (Crusaders) - Rd 16 he is listed as having a shoulder injury, Out for the season. Source.
Will Jordan (Crusaders) - Restrained his calf. He is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, so they have ruled him out for the rest of the season. Source.
Jayden Sa (Chiefs) - Suffered a new shoulder injury in rd 5. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.
Tupou Afungia (Moana) - Recovered from a neck injury, but suffered a concussion in rd 3. Now listed as a neck injury again in rd 6. Source.
Lolani Faleiva (Moana) - Has a shoulder injury. No return date announced. Source.
Julian Savea (Moana) - Came off in rd 6 with a nasty-looking shoulder injury. We suspect he has dislocated it, so he will be out for some time. Source.
Tito Tuipulotu (Moana) - Missing rd 7 with a thumb injury. Source.
Monu Moli (Moana) - Has a new foot injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Ngani Laumape (Moana) - Has a new knee injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Tevita Ofa (Moana) - Has a new finger injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Niko Jones (Moana) - Limped off the field in rd 9 with a calf injury. Source.
Melani Matavao (Moana) - Hurt his left knee shooting out of the line in defence in rd 10. We haven’t heard any more info yet. Source.
Lalomilo Lalomilo (Moana) - Came off with what looked like quite a bad calf injury. Initially, he reacted like he had ruptured his Achilles, but he was eventually able to slowly walk off the pitch. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine (Moana) - Pulled pregame rd 12 with a calf injury. Source.
Jimmy Tupou - Listed as having a back injury in rd 16. Source.

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Written by your local rugby nerd, Harrison Dale.

With only one week left of the regular season, the league is fracturing. The top four are prepping for a high-stakes playoff shootout, while the bottom half of the table is locked in a psychological war of survival. Nobody wants to finish 8th and film a viral “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) skincare video explaining their tactical ineptitude to the internet.

What is the OG League? For those newcomers joining us, The OG League is the founding Draft Rugby fantasy league and is in its 14th year of playing Draft Rugby. The OG League is a public and featured league on the draft rugby platform that you can follow along for the season if you have signed up to the platform. You can find it on the public leagues page featured at the top of draftrugby.com/leagues/join

Super Rugby Pacific Round 15 Top Performers

You can read about the full round 15 team of the week here.

Scandal Night: The “Prape” Investigation 🕵️‍♂️🛠️

The trade floor at the local pub was thrown into absolute chaos before a single valid beer could be finished.

• The Allegation: League Commissioner David Carr-Gregg opened the floor and immediately executed a bizarre auto-preference transaction: Bradley Slater for Chris Mickelson. David instantly blew his whistle, claiming that someone had snuck onto his laptop while he was ordering a round and violated his trade settings. A move that will now be termed a “Prape” (Trade Preference Rape).

• The Tyranny: Using his executive commissioner powers like a true tin-pot dictator, Cargie paused the entire trade night for 18 gruelling minutes. He forced the league to sit in silence while he dug through the back-end code of the website to hunt for the culprit.

• The Twist: After a full forensic analysis the following morning, it was revealed that Cargie had completely mucked around with his own trade preferences earlier in the week and forgotten. He traded away a premier hooker for a development squad asset by his own hand. Absolute shambles.

You can check out the casualty ward updates for rounds 15-16, detailing all Super Rugby Pacific 2026 injuries and returns here.

Round 15 Fixtures:

Situti Down vs. Roigardians of the Galaxy

Result: 649 – 649 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1-1)

You couldn’t script a more dramatic chapter to this fierce rivalry. Alexander Nabung entered the weekend on a soul-crushing 7-game losing streak, having fallen all the way from 1st place to the brink of the bottom tier. Squaring off against his old rival Cargie (Situti Down), Nabung’s new-look side finally found its heartbeat, riding an incredible 86-point wave from Jock Campbell and 62 from Jeremy Williams to clear the attacking bonus threshold.

Cargie’s roster was equally explosive. Fueled by Wallace Sititi (76) and Jamie Hannah (69), Situti Down matched the score try-for-try. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read an identical 649 apiece, the first draw of the OG League season. Because both managers went clear over 550, they each pocket a useful Attacking Bonus Point. Cargie drops down to 4th, while Nabung stays afloat in 5th, his nightmare streak technically broken, but we all know the league will change the script to “8-game winless streak” from here on in.

SAMISONIC THE HEDGEHOG vs. Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum

Result: 518 – 638 (Season Series: Expecto leads 2-1)

Nelson Dale (SAMISONIC) will feel utterly cursed by the pre-game news. The late-scratch withdrawal of both Ollie Sapsford and Jordie Barrett left him completely exposed, forcing him to play a centre down in his starting XV. Despite a heroic front-row shift from Allan Alaalatoa (78) and Samisoni Taukei’aho (75), the structural deficit was too much to manage.

Andrew (Expecto) smelled blood in the water and put on a clinical clinic to secure an Attacking Bonus Point and leap into 2nd place on the ladder. Andrew’s victory was spearheaded by a vintage 94-point demolition job from Brayden Iose and a classy 65 from David Havili. Expecto is peaking at exactly the right time for a championship run, while Nelson falls back into the chasing pack.

Ofa Tu’ungaFAST & The Furious vs. The Toole Shed

Result: 622 – 492 (Season Series: Ofa Tu’ungaFAST leads 3-0)

The league leader continues to look utterly untouchable. Blake (Ofa Tu'ungaFAST) secured a comfortable victory, bouncing back from last week’s slip-up to cross the 600-point mark and pocket yet another Attacking Bonus Point. Josh Moorby (79) and Peter Lakai (77) were superb under the high ball, completely suffocating any chance of an underdog upset. The OG master is taking absolutely no prisoners despite already holding an unassailable lead at the summit. In fact, his most ruthless play happened at live trade night: Blake sneakily claimed Cam Roigard off the board. Because the league completely redrafts for the finals, Blake will only have the Hurricanes superstar for a single match, meaning this is a massive, one-week tactical masterstroke designed purely to weaponise his roster for the regular-season finale and to bury his upcoming opposition before the draft board is reset.

Wylie (The Toole Shed) saw his late-season surge hit a massive, self-inflicted roadblock. After dropping a historic 753 points last week, his big guns completely went missing. But the real crime happened at the selection table: not even a historic, all-time record-breaking 123 points from Lucas Casey last weekend was enough to convince Wylie the man deserved a spot in his First XV. Instead, Wylie left Casey’s exceptional 70 points rotting on the pine. First, he brutally dumps his own namesake, Corey Toole, and now he benches the highest scorer in league history. The man is running a tactical circus. Combined with a disappointing 18 from Asafo Aumua, Wylie walked away without a single bonus point. The loss leaves "The Shed" firmly anchored to the bottom of the log, making the next round a matter of absolute survival if he wants to avoid the cosmetics aisle.

Leicester We Forget the Toole Shed vs. Lam & Order

Result: 627 – 546 (Season Series: Leicester We Forget leads 2-1)

After hoarding the "Toole Shed" title since Round 11, Harry finally re-branded his team name this week, and the tactical superstition paid off massively. n a high-stakes basement battle, Harry ran riot through Sean's defensive lines to secure a crucial Attacking Bonus Point. The damage was done by a vintage 94-point clinic from Leicester Fainga’anuku and a monster 82 from Josh Canham.

Sean (Lam & Order) is now in an absolute state of emergency. Even with Hamish Stewart (60) and Mills Sanerivi (53) firing, his team couldn't match the point-scoring onslaught. Missing an attacking bonus by just 4 points, Sean slides down to 7th. With only a 3-point buffer keeping him off the bottom of the ladder, he is now at severe risk of repeating last year's misery and claiming the ultimate punishment for the second season running.

Round 15 OG League Fantasy Facts

• Best Player: Leicester Fainga'anuku & Brayden Iose (94 points) - Harry & Andrew.

• Best Trade: Harry Dale traded Hamish Muller for Josh Canham (82).

• Best Free Agent: Jone Rova (54) - Hurricanes.

• Biggest Coaching Mistake: Nelson Dale leaving Harry Potter (58) on the bench, playing Sid Harvey (14) instead.

The OG League Table After Round 15:

Blake (Ofa Tu’ungaFAST) is officially the Minor Premier, sitting on a massive 54 points. Andrew (Expecto) has climbed into 2nd (44 pts) despite scoring only 40 total points more than Wooden Spoon favourite Wylie, with Nelson sitting right on his tail at 43. Cargie rounds out the top four on 41 points.

Outside the playoff bracket, it is absolute survival of the fittest. Nabung sits in 5th (33), followed closely by Harry (32), Sean (31), and Wylie (28). With only one win separating 5th from 8th, the final round of the regular season will dictate who makes the spoon play-offs and who gets left applying primer on camera.

Will Wylie pull off the ultimate escape in Round 16, or is the Toole Shed destined to host the most anticipated skincare review of 2026?

Logged-in users can view the full OG League results and detailed breakdowns here.

What’s New on Draft Rugby?

Finals Series:

Our inaugural season of Draft Rugby has been set up as a first-past-the-post competition, but a finals league is in the works for the Nations Championship and beyond.

The short-term workaround for those who want to run a finals series is to create a new public league each week with only the finalists involved. This way, the non-finalist fodder can still see all the action, and the website can do the heavy lifting for your scoring algorithm. We are set up to score throughout the Super Rugby finals.

Written by Harrison Dale

Round 15 was a clinical demonstration of why squad depth and late-season trades decide titles as we hit the penultimate round of the regular season. With the playoff picture nearing its final form, the Crusaders fought to stay alive against the Chiefs in Christchurch, while the Hurricanes aimed to lock up the minor premiership against the Highlanders. But the big story for fantasy managers was the massive wave of returns from the Casualty Ward, with Brumbies enforcer Allan Alaalatoa, Reds general Tate McDermott, and Crusaders superstar Will Jordan all thrust back into the action. With only one round left of the regular season, navigating the Trade Window is the only way to save your campaign. If you didn't secure the high-volume workhorses who dominated the trenches this week, you’re likely chasing your league-mates for a spot in the finals.

Team of the Week

1: Allan Alaalatoa – Prop, Brumbies (78 pts)

Returned from a calf injury and immediately reminded managers why he’s a premier front-row asset. In just 54 minutes of action, Alaalatoa recorded 15 tackles, won 7 scrums, and scored a crucial close-range try. In our scoring engine, a front-row prop delivering this level of physical grit is pure fantasy gold.

2: Samisoni Taukei’aho – Hooker, Chiefs (75 pts)

A monstrous performance from the premium Chiefs hooker. Taukei’aho went to work with a staggering 18 carries (9 over the gain line) and 20 ruck arrivals. Adding a try and 11 successful lineout throws to his stat line, he remains a “set and forget” anchor for any pack.

3: Misinale Epenisa – Prop, Force (49 pts)

With the Western Force front row tested by late-season injuries, Epenisa stepped up with a relentless 57-minute shift. He recorded 14 tackles and 20 ruck arrivals, providing the massive scoring floor managers crave from a workhorse prop.

4: Josh Canham – Lock, Reds (82 pts)

Canham marked his return to the field with an absolutely towering performance. Playing the full 80 minutes, he stuffed the stat sheet with a try, 12 tackles, 20 ruck arrivals, and 9 lineout takes. His ability to dominate the set-piece and provide a safe scoring ceiling makes him a top-tier asset.

5: Jamie Hannah – Lock, Crusaders (69 pts)

Hannah continues to be an engine-room marvel in the Crusaders’ second row. Hit a round-high 35 rucks and secured 19 tackles to complement a well-earned try and 6 lineout takes. Under our position-specific scoring system, this level of relentless involvement is a league-winning trait.

6: Brayden Iose – Back Row, Hurricanes (94 pts)

Iose was a human wrecking ball in the Hurricanes’ rampant win, racking up a massive 17 carries for 110 metres. He broke the line 3 times, beat 6 defenders, and recorded an astronomical 86 post-contact metres to single-handedly break head-to-head matchups wide open.

7: Vilive Miramira – Back Row, Drua (83 pts)

A breakdown masterclass from the Drua loose forward. Miramira was everywhere in Perth, hitting 30 rucks and winning 4 turnovers. His 12 carries and high post-contact yardage (57m) ensured a massive scoring floor regardless of try involvement.

8: Peter Lakai – Back Row, Hurricanes (77 pts)

Lakai continues to play at an elite level, recording 20 carries and 21 ruck arrivals. He crossed the gain line 14 times and contributed 2 line-break assists, proving his relentless work rate remains the heartbeat of the Wellington back row.

9: Ryan Lonergan – Scrumhalf, Brumbies (57 pts)

Lonergan controlled the pace of the Brumbies’ victory with clinical precision, registering 60 passes and 11 tackles in his 80 minute performance. His 429 kick metres from hand show he is taking full tactical authority at the base, ensuring his place as a top-tier halfback option.

10: Carter Gordon – Flyhalf, Reds (48 pts)

Gordon managed the game beautifully in a physical encounter, recording 2 line breaks and 4 tackle busts. Fly-halves who challenge the line and contribute 5 tackles alongside 218 kick metres are a rare commodity in this format.

11: Jock Campbell – Outside Back, Reds (86 pts)

A premier counter-attacking display from the Reds’ fullback. Campbell recorded 14 carries for 144 metres (11 over the gain line) and 5 tackle busts. Pair that with a try and 2 try assists, and you have a high-volume playmaker with a massive ceiling.

12: Leicester Fainga’anuku – Centre, Crusaders (94 pts)

Leicester was a physical nightmare for the defense, pairing a try and a try assist with 18 carries. His 17 tackles and 32 ruck arrivals are workhorse stats which show he defends like a backrower, but he still attacks like an outside back.

13: David Havili – Centre, Crusaders (65 pts)

Havili continues to shine in the Crusaders’ midfield after returning from injury. He recorded 2 line-break assists, a try, and 16 ruck arrivals, proving his creative distribution is a vital secondary scoring stream for his fantasy owners.

14: Josh Moorby – Outside Back, Hurricanes (79 pts)

Moorby remains a model of consistency on the Hurricanes’ edge. He recorded 17 carries for 149 metres (14 over the gain line) and 8 tackle busts. His clinical try and try assist confirm he is a prime strike-runner for the play-offs.

15: Kini Naholo – Outside Back, Hurricanes (72 pts)

Returned to action in style after recovering from an ACL and foot injury, crossing for a brace of tries and making 2 line breaks. His 9 gain-line crosses and 30 post-contact metres confirm he is a high-ceiling asset to lock into your back three.

Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)

• Vilive Miramira (Fijian Drua - Back Row): Miramira took his opportunity in the starting jersey with both hands with a throwback to the form that had him so highly rated back in 2024. His 83-point shift in Round 15 featured 12 carries, 30 ruck arrivals, and 4 turnovers won. Secure this high-work-rate anchor in the Trade Window before your league-mates catch on.

• Kini Naholo (Hurricanes - Outside Back): Returning from a foot injury that kept him sidelined, Naholo made an immediate impact with a clinical brace of tries and 9 gain-line crosses. With the Hurricanes locking down the minor premiership, his high attacking volume makes him a premier Free Agent target.

• Misinale Epenisa (Western Force - Prop): With the Western Force front row tested by late-season injuries, Epenisa stepped up with a relentless 57-minute shift. He recorded 14 tackles and 20 ruck arrivals, providing a massive scoring floor. If you are struggling for front-row depth in the final run-in, Epenisa is a perfect high-floor option.

Written by Harry Dale

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Note: The Casualty Ward will be released Sunday/ Monday for all paid subscribers, and Thursday for all free readers.

New Injuries Round 15:

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds) - Did not make the trip to Auckland while he waited on the birth of his third child. We would think he is likely to play rd 16 given it is at home. Source.
Ollie Sapsford (Brumbies) - Limped off during the warm-up with a knee injury and was replaced before kick-off. Source.
Teddy Wilson (Waratahs) - Came off for an HIA after 36 mins and didn’t return. Managed to be named to play off the bench in rd 16.
Ioane Moananu (Waratahs) - Didn’t train all week due to a sore right knee. Then seemed to aggravate it badly and had to be taken off after 68 minutes. Back playing rd 16 regardless.
Charlie Gamble (Waratahs) - Out of rd 16 with a thumb injury. Source.
Mesake Vocevoce (Drua) - Pulled pregame with a back injury. Source.

Will Jordan (Crusaders) - Restrained his calf. He is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, so they have ruled him out for the rest of the season. Source.
Chay Fihaki (Crusaders) - Came off for an HIA after 46 minutes and didn’t return, so we assume he will have to go through concussion protocols.
Kyle Brown (Chiefs) - The commentators announced that he came off in the second half with a hamstring injury.
Isaac Hutchinson (Chiefs) - Has a concussion. His return date is tbc. Source.
Ollie Norris (Chiefs) - Has a knee injury. Aiming to return in the quarter-finals. Source.
Xavier Roe (Chiefs) - Has a hamstring injury. His return date is TBC. Source.
Tuna Tuitama (Moana) - Pulled pregame. Back in rd 16.
Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes) - Pulled pregame with a hamstring injury. Hopefully back for the QF. Source.
Fehi Fineanganofo (Hurricanes) - Out with a hamstring injury. Hoping to play the SF. Source.
Devan Flanders (Hurricanes) - Knocked out in an unlucky collision. Will go through the standard RTP protocols, so hopefully back for the SF. Source.
Siale Lauaki (Hurricanes) - Off after 30 minutes with a hamstring injury. Expected back for the QF. Source.
Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) - Left the field with a shoulder “niggle”. We suspect it was his shoulder that he hurt in the act of scoring. Seen as a “week to week” prospect. Source.
Ngane Punivai (Hurricanes) - Came off with a shoulder injury. Seen as a “week to week” prospect. Source.
Jonah Lowe (Highlanders) - Off after 17 minutes. No word as to why yet.
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Highlanders) - Given a red card for a high tackle on Flanders. Banned for 4 weeks. Yet to be determined if he can drop it by one week through tackle school given he did it last year. Source.
Beauden Barrett (Blues) - Out of rd 16 with a quad strain. Source.
Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) - Sitting our rd 16 with a neck injury. Source.
Jimmy Tupou (Moana Pasifika) - Listed as having a back injury in rd 16. Source.

Likely Back for Round 16:

Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs) - Suffered a concussion in rd 13. All going well, he should be fit this week. Source.
Pete Samu (Waratahs) - Suffered a knee injury in rd 13. He seemed to be walking without any major issues before being taken off. Apparently, he had a decent chance to play rd 15 but wasn’t named. Source.
Joseph Sua’ali’i (Waratahs) - Pulled out with hammy tightness again in rd 14. It was expected to be a good chance to play round 15, but wasn’t named. Source.
Jake Gordon (Waratahs) - Missed rd 15 due to illness. We don’t know the details, but there would be a good chance he is fit for this week. Source.
Charlie Cale (Brumbies) - Injured his shoulder in rd 9. In rd 10 they announced he would be out for 4-6 weeks (Rd 15-QF). Source.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Listed as injured before rd 15, apparently only a niggle so maybe they will play rd 16. Source.
Aidan Ross (Reds) - Listed as injured in rd 12. Back starting this week.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Reds) - No longer listed as injured after missing the last two weeks, but wasn’t picked. Source.
George Bridge (Force) - Rested in rd 15 due to soreness, so we think he should be back this week. Source.
Ben Donaldson (Force) - A quad injury ruled him out of rd 14. In an interview during rd 15 he said he was hopeful he would play rd 16. Source.

Pita Ahki (Blues) - Pulled late rd 14 with a quad injury.
Ofa Tuʻungafasi (Blues) - Failed his HIA in rd 14 will go through the normal concussion protocols, so he might play this week.
Hoskins Sotutu (Blues) - Failed his HIA in rd 14 will go through the normal concussion protocols, so he might play this week.
Corey Evans (Blues) - Missed the year to date with an ankle injury. Back on the bench this week.
Josh Fusitu’a (Blues) - Injured his elbow in rd 2. We now know he has had an operation on his bicep, so we assume he ruptured it. He returns this week on the bench. Source.
Josh Beehre (Blues) - Missed since rd 13 with a back injury, back starting this week. Source.
Codemeru Vai (Blues) - Listed as having an ankle injury from rd 14-15. Back on the bench this week. Source.
Finlay Brewis (Crusaders) - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 11. Expected back rd 16. Source.
Cullen Grace (Crusaders) - “Busted” his patella in August for Canterbury. Aiming to return for the QF. Source.
Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes) - Returned from an ankle injury only to be pulled with a new ankle injury before rd 7. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) - Announced before rd 13 that he has a calf injury. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Lalakai Foketi (Chiefs) - Picked up a calf injury. Back on the bench this week. Source.
Tuna Tuitama (Moana) - Pulled pregame last week. Back in rd 16.

Returned in Round 15:

Tate McDermott (Reds) - Suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery against the All Blacks in late September. Started in the 9 jersey this week.
Josh Canham (Reds) - Returned from a rd 4 hammy hamstring injury.
Luke Reimer (Brumbies) - Returned via the bench from his rd 12 concussion.
Meli Tuni (Drua) - Started after being out since rd 2 with a knee injury.
Iosefo Namoce (Drua) - Pulled pregame rd 9. Played off the bench this week.
Joey Walton (Waratahs) - Came off with a neck injury in rd 12. Recovered to play off the bench in rd 15.

Du Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) - Returned from a knee injury via the bench.
Will Jordan (Crusaders) - Played his first game since rd 8 after overcoming a calf injury.
Chay Fihaki (Crusaders) - Played on the wing, having recovered from a pregame rd 10 hamstring injury.
Taha Kemara (Crusaders) - Came on at half-time having recovered from a rd 12 knee injury.
Dallas McLeod (Crusaders) - Started again this week after picking up an injury during rd 13.
Liam Jack (Crusaders) - Returned from a hamstring injury to make his debut off the bench.
Patrick Pellegrini (Moana) - Returned after recovering from his nasty-looking round 11 concussion.
Paula Latu (Moana) - Played off the bench having recovered from a concussion.
Daniel Rona (Chiefs) - Played off the bench after Injuring his hamstring in rd 6.
Jona Nareki (Highlanders) - Returned from a ban after a rd 13 red card.
TK Howden (Highlanders) - Pulled pregame rd 14 with injury. Recovered to start this week.

Ongoing Injury List:

AUSTRALIA

Brumbies
Tuaina Taii Tualima - Out with a shoulder injury as of rd 12. Source.

Reds
Nicholas Conway - Listed as injured in rd 4. Source.
Tom Lynagh - Still struggling with a calf injury. Source.
Trevor King - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12. Source.
Kingsley Uys - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12, but he has been injured for at least 2 weeks. Source.
Frankie Goldsbrough - Damaged his shoulder against NZ U20’s during rd 12. Source.
Isaac Henry - Listed as injured before rd 15. Source.

Waratahs
Tom Lambert - Came off with a knee injury in rd 12. We can’t confirm the injury details yet, but it sounds like he won’t play again in Super Rugby this year.
Austin Durbidge - Has a concussion as of rd 16. Source.

Western Force
Alex Harford - Left the field in the trial against the Reds on Jan 23rd, holding his arm or shoulder in his jersey. Listed as a medium-term injury in rd 12. Source.
Ronan Leahy - Missing rd 9 with a knee injury. As of rd 12 listed as a short-term injury. Source.
Tom Robertson - Injured his calf and missed at least rd 14. Source.

NEW ZEALAND

Blues
Jordan Lay - Missed rd 1 to 11 with a concussion. No return date set yet. Source.
Bradley Slater - Failed his HIA in rd 14 will go through the normal concussion protocols, but won’t play rd 16.
Taufa Funaki - Came off the field with a shoulder injury late in the game in rd 11. Source.
Ben Ake - Came off in rd 12 after getting his foot caught spinning in a tackle. The mechanism looked like a syndesmosis injury; he was also grabbing at his shin, which fits our suspicion.
Sam Matenga - Listed as having a neck injury from rd 14. Source.
Dalton Papali’i - Broke his jaw in rd 13 and had surgery. Aiming to be fit for the semi or grand final. Source.

Chiefs
Leroy Carter - Came off with a hamstring injury in rd 11. Aiming to return for the quarter finals. Source.
Damian McKenzie - Had a bad-looking concussion in rd 14. Hopefully back for the QF. Source.
Reuben O’Neill - Picked up a concussion in rd 14. Return date is TBC. Source.
Etene Nanai-Seturo - Missed rd 8 with a foot injury. His return has gone from the QF to TBC before rd 16. Source.
Emoni Narawa - Came off at halftime in rd 8 with a foot injury. As of rd 16 he is aiming to play in the semi final. Source.

Crusaders
Aki Tuivailala - Concussed in rd 4. Return date TBC. Source.
Braydon Ennor - Pulled pregame rd 12. Has a hamstring injury and is expected back for the QF-SF. Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin - Out with a neck injury. Return date the GF at the earliest. Source.
Kurtis MacDonald - Tackled Perofeta in the air in rd 13, he landed on his head, so Kurtis was given a red card. Banned for 4 weeks, so he could only return in the grand final if needed.
Taylor Cahill - Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd QF-SF. Source.
Maloni Kunawave - Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd SF-GF. Source.
George Bell - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 15. Aiming to return rd QF-SF. Source.

Highlanders
Finn Hurley - Suffered a hamstring injury in his first game of the season in rd 10. Expected back rd 16-QF. Source.
Nikora Broughton - Looks to have injured his left knee. Aiming to return in the QF. Source.

Hurricanes
Ben Lopes - Missed rd 13 with a calf injury. Source.
Drew Wild - Listed as having a shoulder injury before rd 15. Return date is the SF. Source.
Josh Gray - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 15. Return date is TBC. Source.
Anaru Paenga-Morgan - Listed as having a concussion before rd 15. Return date is the QF. Source.

PASIFIKA TEAMS

Fijian Drua
Meli Derenalagi - Expected to miss the bulk of the season due to a 2nd ACL injury he suffered in April 2025. He could return at 9 months (late Jan), but it is more likely he is closer to 12 months, given it is his 2nd ACL injury. Source.
Aisea Nawai - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a leg injury. Source.
Isikeli Basiyalo - Came off in rd 10 straight after a dash down the sideline. He had his hammy taped up so we are assuming it is a hamstring muscle tear. He jogged off comfortably, but limped when walking which fits this diagnosis as well.
Motikiai Murray - Now listed as having an arm injury before rd 12. Source.
Emosi Tuqiri - Picked up a severe-looking leg (we think) injury in rd 14.

Moana Pasifika
Tupou Afungia - Recovered from a neck injury, but suffered a concussion in rd 3. Now listed as a neck injury again in rd 6. Source.
Lolani Faleiva - Has a shoulder injury. No return date announced. Source.
Julian Savea - Came off in rd 6 with a nasty-looking shoulder injury. We suspect he has dislocated it, so he will be out for some time. Source.
Tito Tuipulotu - Missing rd 7 with a thumb injury. Source.
Monu Moli - Has a new foot injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Ngani Laumape - Has a new knee injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Tevita Ofa - Has a new finger injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Niko Jones - Limped off the field in rd 9 with a calf injury. Source.
Melani Matavao - Hurt his left knee shooting out of the line in defence in rd 10. We haven’t heard any more info yet. Source.
Lalomilo Lalomilo - Came off with what looked like quite a bad calf injury. Initially, he reacted like he had ruptured his Achilles, but he was eventually able to slowly walk off the pitch. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine - Pulled pregame rd 12 with a calf injury. Source.

Gone for the season:

Dan Nelson (Brumbies) - Fractured his fibula in his lower leg before d 5. Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Source.
Kye Oates (Brumbies) - Fracture dislocation of his ankle before rd 8. He has already had an operation. They said he is aiming to be back in 12 weeks (so won’t play again this season), but I think this is probably being hopeful. Source.
Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua) - Commentary said that Loganimasi came off with a dislocated wrist in rd 7. He has now been ruled out for the season with an arm injury, so we believe this is the reason. Source.
Epeli Momo (Drua) - Ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury before rd 8. Source.
Haereiti Hetet (Drua) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury, commentary confirmed he would be out for the season during rd 14. Source.
Darby Lancaster (Force) - Came down from taking a highball very awkwardly on his ankle in rd 8. The alarm bells rang after he said his “career” was over in a rd 10 interview; this has now been confirmed to be a mistake; he will just miss the rest of Super Rugby 2026. Source.
Henry Robertson (Force) - Tore his ACL in rd 13, will be out for the year. Source.
Angus Blyth (Waratahs) - Suffered a left ankle injury in rd 13. Judging by how his foot got caught under the maul, and how it was being assessed, he looks to have suffered a syndesmosis injury. This is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs) - Suffered a Lisfranc injury (foot) in rd 13 and will miss the rest of the season. Source.
Folau Fainga’a (Waratahs) - Succumbed to a left knee injury in rd 13 shortly after having it caught in a bit of an awkward tackle. McKellar said he was gone for the season in his post match pressor for rd 15.

Dylan Pledger (Highlanders) - Ruled out of all rugby for the year following a training ground accident that resulted in a complete rupture of his ACL in January. Source.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders) - Now confirmed he dislocated his right shoulder while trying to pilfer during a ruck on the 6th of Feb. Confirmed he will be out for the full Super Rugby season with an aim to return in the July international window. Source.
Josh Tengblad (Highlanders) - Suffered an ACL injury in rd 5. Out for the season. Source.
Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders) - Sustained an ankle fracture in rd 10, requiring surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby Season. Source.
Josh Bartlett (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a foot injury. Gone for the season. Source.
Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) - Ruptured his left Achilles in rd 14, requiring 6-9 months to return. Source.
Harry Godfrey (Hurricanes) - Expected to miss the 2026 Super Rugby season due to an ACL injury. Source.
Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) - Stretchered off with a right knee injury. They haven’t told us what the injury is, but it was confirmed during rd 3 that he is having surgery and is out for the season. Source.
Riley Higgins (Hurricanes) - Has a shoulder injury since before rd 12. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.
Cam Christie (Blues) - Hobbled off with a knee ligament injury in the Jan 30th trial. Now confirmed, he is out for the season. Source.
James Cameron (Blues) - As of rd 16 he has an injury to his legs. He is out for the season. Source.
Hemopo Cunningham (Blues) - As of rd 16 he is out with a foot injury. He is out for the season. Source.
James White (Crusaders) - Suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Source.
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders) - Ruled out after rd 7 for the year with an infection of a disc in his back (Discitis). He will make a full recovery, but won’t play until at least the first international window. Source.
Toby Bell (Crusaders) - Listed as having a season-ending shoulder injury as of rd 15. Source.
Mitch Drummond (Crusaders) - Listed as having a season-ending shoulder injury as of rd 15. Source.
Scott Barrett (Crusaders) - Returned from his sabbatical, but now carrying a back injury. Officially ruled out for the season. Source.
Will Tucker (Crusaders) - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a concussion. As of rd 16 he is out with a shoulder injury for the season. Source.
Xavier Saifoloi (Crusaders) - Rd 16 he is listed as having a shoulder injury, Out for the season. Source.
Jayden Sa (Chiefs) - Suffered a new shoulder injury in rd 5. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.

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Written by your local rugby nerd, Harrison Dale.

The top four will enter a brutal playoff structure for the coveted championship trophy. Meanwhile, the bottom four will slug it out to avoid the ultimate ignominy, the wooden spoon. For the manager who finishes in dead last at the end of the regular season, a viral “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) video awaits, where they must meticulously apply skincare or makeup while explaining to the internet exactly where their tactical brain failed them this year.

What is the OG League? For those newcomers joining us, The OG League is the founding Draft Rugby fantasy league and is in its 14th year of playing Draft Rugby. The OG League is a public and featured league on the draft rugby platform that you can follow along for the season if you have signed up to the platform. You can find it on the public leagues page featured at the top of draftrugby.com/leagues/join

Super Rugby Pacific Round 14 Top Performers

You can read about the full round 13 team of the week here.

Trades: The “Nabung Revolving Door” & Midfield Shuffles

Roster adjustments this week showed clear evidence of managers trying to claw their way out of the GRWM danger zone or secure home-ground advantage:

• The Masterstroke Pickup: James Wylie (The Toole Shed) went fishing in the deep waters and brought in Lucas Casey. To say it paid off is an understatement; this week, he logged the biggest individual score of the year.

• The Hooker Trade Dividend: Cargie (Situti Down) picked up Ioane Moananu, who delivered an immediate 84 points off the pine.

• Trading Real Humans: Realising that the platform doesn’t award points for imaginary players, Sean Stokoe (Lam & Order) decided to try trading actual living, breathing athletes this week. The radical new strategy paid immediate dividends, with new front-row recruits Misinale Epenisa (62) and Nicholas Champion de Crespigny (47) successfully taking the field and registering legitimate numbers on the scorecard.

You can check out the casualty ward updates for rounds 14-15, detailing all Super Rugby Pacific 2026 injuries and returns here.

Round 14 Fixtures:

The Toole Shed vs. SAMISONIC THE HEDGEHOG

Result: 753 – 709 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)

This wasn’t just a fantasy matchup; it was a pure, unadulterated heavyweight slugfest that saw both teams smash well past the 700-point mark. Nelson (SAMISONIC) threw absolutely everything he had at his opponent, getting massive shifts from Samisoni Taukei’aho (73), Xavier Roe (77), and Stephen Perofeta (62) to accumulate an incredible 709 points, the third highest of the year. In 95% of fantasy weekends, that earns you a blowout victory.

Unfortunately for Nelson, he ran directly into a fully operational Toole Shed. Wylie’s late-season rebuild reached its absolute zenith thanks to a historic, career-defining performance from new recruit Lucas Casey, who racked up a staggering 123 points. Backed by Fehi Fineanganofo (79) and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (73), Wylie put up a spectacular 753 points to secure the victory. Nelson takes home a Losing Bonus Point and an Attacking Bonus Point for his Herculean efforts, while Wylie gleefully pockets an Attacking BP to keep his great escape alive.

Lam & Order vs. Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum

Result: 529 – 662 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)

Andrew (Expecto) consolidated his top-three status with a highly clinical 662-point display to dismiss Sean Stokoe. Andrew’s squad showed impressive depth across the park, anchored by Angus Scott-Young (64) and Kitione Salawa (57), allowing him to coast to a comfortable victory and an Attacking BP.

For Lam & Order, the slide continues. While Misinale Epenisa (62) and Sam Darry (61) put up proud numbers in the tight five, a zero from carrying an injured Du’Plessis Kirifi & Charlie Cale left Sean structurally exposed. Falling just short of both a losing and an attacking bonus point, Sean remains anchored to 5th place, watching the top four slowly pull out of reach.

Ofa Tu’ungaFAST & The Furious vs. Situti Down

Result: 510 – 428 (Season Series: Ofa Tu’ungaFAST leads 2-0)

In a much tighter, defensive grind than expected, league leader Blake (Ofa Tu’ungaFAST) completed the season sweep over Cargie. Blake didn’t have his usual roster explosion, but reliable shifts from Peter Lakai (76) and Naitoa Ah Kuoi (68) provided just enough of a baseline to control the match.

Cargie (Situti Down) will be deeply frustrated by how this unfolded. His tight five did a mountain of work, led by an outstanding 74 from Ollie Norris, but a 75-point mistake starting Bradley Slater (9) over Ioane Moananu (84) on the bench cost him dearly. 0’s from both Tom Wright, and TK Howden (late withdrawal) completely tanked his momentum. Cargie fails to take a single bonus point from the weekend, dropping him to 4th.

Roigardians of the Galaxy vs. Leicester We Forget

Result: 396 – 463 Season Series: Leicester We Forget leads 2-1

The “Desperation Derby.” Heading into this weekend, Harry was on a miserable 5-game losing streak, while Nabung was trapped in a truly horrific 6-game tailspin. It is a staggering fall from grace for Nabung, who sat comfortably at 1st on the table before this collapse started.

In a low-scoring, tense affair where both teams looked terrified of the wooden spoon, Harry (Leicester We Forget) finally found a way to win. Driven by Tanielu Tele’a (62) and Harry Wilson (54), Harry ground out a vital 463 points. Nabung (Roigardians) completely bottomed out, failing to break the 400-point mark despite an isolated 68 from Jock Campbell. Nabung’s losing streak has now ballooned to 7 games, and he is officially in a state of absolute emergency.

Round 14 OG League Fantasy Facts

• Best Player: Lucas Casey (123 points) – The Toole Shed

• Best Trade: James Wylie traded Veveni Lasaqa for Lucas Casey (123).

• Best Free Agent: Apolosi Ranawai (54) - Waratahs.

• Biggest Coaching Mistake: David Cargie leaving Ioane Moananu (84) on the bench, playing Bradley Slater (9) instead.

The OG League Table After Round 14:

Blake (Ofa Tu’ungaFAST) sits proudly at the top with 49 points, closing in on the Minor Premiership. Nelson (SAMISONIC) holds 2nd at 43, while Andrew (Expecto) has jumped into 3rd (39) just ahead of Cargie (38).

The bottom half is where the pure terror resides. Sean is in limbo at 5th (31), while Nabung (30), Wylie (28), and Harry (27) are separated by a single win. The race to avoid the bottom spot and the inevitable viral GRWM video is going to come down to the absolute wire.

Can Nabung break the curse in Round 15, or should he start researching the difference between primer and setting spray?

Logged-in users can view the full OG League results and detailed breakdowns here.

What’s New on Draft Rugby?

Fund Raise:

This week, we are letting you take a peek at the next big step in our growth. We are hard at work preparing the business for a fundraiser in June/July to grow the platform and expand it into the Nations Championship. Rugby World Cup and all the major competitions around the world.

If you’re interested in being a part of the journey then shoot us an email at support@draftrugby.com and we will keep you in the loop.

Written by Harrison Dale

Round 14 was a weekend of absolute chaos and high-stakes drama as the playoff picture reached a boiling point. The Hurricanes laid down a massive championship marker by putting 47 points past the Blues at Eden Park, while the Chiefs dismantled the Highlanders in Hamilton. But the big story for fantasy managers is the rapidly filling Casualty Ward, which claimed All Black general Damian McKenzie (concussion) and Highlanders strike-runner Caleb Tangitau (Achilles) on a brutal weekend of injuries. With the playoff sprint in full swing, navigating the Trade Window is the only way to save your season. If you didn't secure the high-volume workhorses who dominated the trenches this week, you’re likely chasing your league-mates for a spot in the finals.

Team of the Week

1: Ollie Norris – Prop, Chiefs (74 pts)

Norris put on an absolute clinic in front-row work-rate, hitting 24 rucks and making 12 tackles. Under our scoring system, his 8 carries (5 over the gain line) and 26 post-contact metres provided a massive scoring floor, proving why elite props are a fantasy gold mine.

2: Ioane Moananu – Hooker, Waratahs (84 pts)

A towering, match-winning shift from the Waratahs’ hooker in Suva. Along with a clinical brace of tries and a try assist, Moananu recorded 19 ruck arrivals and won 10 lineout throws. Hookers who can deliver this level of complete set-piece and open-field dominance are the ultimate fantasy cheat code.

3: Xavier Numia – Prop, Hurricanes (67 pts)

With Tyrel Lomax sidelined, Numia continues to carry the load for the Hurricanes’ front row. He notched up 9 tackles and 19 ruck arrivals, while his 5 tackle busts from 6 carries showed a direct carrying threat that outscored most mid-tier fly-halves this week.

4: Naitoa Ah Kuoi – Lock, Chiefs (68 pts)

Stepping in for Josh Lord, Ah Kuoi delivered an engine-room masterclass. He recorded a try, a try assist, and 23 ruck arrivals to completely choke out the Highlanders’ set-piece momentum. He is a mandatory high-floor asset for any pack whenever he starts.

5: Warner Dearns – Lock, Hurricanes (63 pts)

Dearns was an unstoppable force in the heavyweight clash at Eden Park, charging down a kick to score a crucial first-half try. With 12 carries (8 over the gain line) and 20 ruck arrivals, his tireless work-rate provided the physical platform the Wellington side needed to run riot.

6: Lucas Casey – Back Row, Highlanders (123 pts)

Player of the Round. An absolutely historic fantasy performance. Casey was a human wrecking ball against the Chiefs, recording a massive 22 carries (15 over the gain line) and 17 tackles. His 100 post-contact metres and 13 dominant carries are astronomical statistics that single-handedly broke head-to-head matchups this week.

7: Peter Lakai – Back Row, Hurricanes (76 pts)

Lakai continues to play at an All-Black incumbent level. He capped off a clinical 80-minute performance with a rolling-maul try after the siren, complementing his 13 carries, 13 tackles, and 32 ruck arrivals. He is currently the most consistent back-row asset in the competition.

8: Carlo Tizzano – Back Row, Western Force (68 pts)

The Force’s premium open-side led his team to a thrilling upset victory over the Reds in Perth. Tizzano bagged a crucial brace of tries alongside 18 tackles and 31 ruck arrivals, demonstrating the relentless, high-volume grit that makes him a premier head-to-head weapon.

9: Xavier Roe – Scrumhalf, Chiefs (77 pts)

Roe controlled the pace of the game beautifully, recording 66 passes, a try, and a try assist in the Chiefs’ Hamilton rout. His 286 kick metres in play show he is taking full tactical authority at the base, ensuring his place as a top-tier halfback option.

10: Lawson Creighton – Flyhalf, Waratahs (50 pts)

Creighton managed the game with supreme composure from the inside centre position, recording 13 passes, 8 tackles, and 5 tackle busts. Playmakers who are willing to take the line on themselves and challenge the gain line (7 crosses) are a rare commodity in this format.

11: Fehi Fineanganofo – Outside Back, Hurricanes (79 pts)

A rampant performance from the competition’s top try-scorer. Fehi crossed for his 16th try of the season, putting him level with the all-time single-season record. Beyond his clinical finishing, his 9 gain-line crosses and 7 tackle busts confirm his status as an elite-tier weapon.

12: Billy Proctor – Centre, Hurricanes (67 pts)

Proctor provided the ultimate playmaking hub in the Hurricanes’ backline. He recorded 2 line-break assists, 3 offloads, and 8 dominant carries to shred the Blues’ midfield defense and keep the attack moving at speed.

13: Tanielu Tele’a – Centre, Highlanders (62 pts)

With James Lowe shifted to the wing, Tele’a stepped up in the midfield with a highly physical shift. He recorded 17 passes, a try assist, and 26 post-contact metres, proving he is a reliable source of midfield volume for the Highlanders.

14: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens – Outside Back, Highlanders (73 pts)

JRK remains a high-volume counter-attacking threat. He recorded 4 line breaks, a try, and 102 carry metres, using his electric footwork (9 dominant carries) to give the Highlanders a constant spark from the back field.

15: Jock Campbell – Outside Back, Reds (68 pts)

Campbell was the shining light in a tough Reds defeat, acting as a premier back-three playmaker. With 91 carry metres, 2 line breaks, and a try assist, his high-volume involvement ensured a reliable ceiling for his fantasy owners.

Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)

Lucas Casey (Highlanders - Back Row): With Nikora Broughton sidelined with a knee injury, Casey has officially seized his opportunity in the back row. His 123-point Masterclass in Round 14 featured a staggering 22 carries (15 over the gain line), 17 tackles, and 100 post-contact metres. Grab this relentless workhorse in the Trade Window before your league-mates realize he’s a locked-in starter.

Ioane Moananu (Waratahs - Hooker): With both Folau Fainga'a and Ethan Dobbins sidelined in the Casualty Ward, Moananu has stepped into the starting hooker role for the Waratahs and made it his own. His Round 14 explosion of 84 fantasy points showcased exactly why he's a premium target: a clinical brace of tries, 19 ruck arrivals, and a highly active playmaking role with 11 passes and 3 offloads. If you are looking to stream hookers for the playoff run, make sure to target Moananu in the Trade Window before your league-mates beat you to him.

Xavier Roe (Chiefs - Scrumhalf): With Damian McKenzie entering the Casualty Ward after a head knock, Roe is set to inherit a massive share of playmaking duties. His 77-point shift in Round 14 featured 66 passes, a try, a try assist, and 286 kick metres. Secure this high-ceiling pivot before your rivals catch on.

Written by Harry Dale

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Note: The Casualty Ward will be released Sunday/ Monday for all paid subscribers, and Thursday for all free readers.

New Injuries Round 14:

Joseph Sua’ali’i (Waratahs) - pulled out with hammy tightness. Was expected to be a good chance to play round 15, but wasn’t named. Source.
Elia Canakaivata (Drua) - Came off after 65 minutes. Looked like it was only a severe cramp, so he should be fine for next week.
Emosi Tuqiri (Drua) - Only lasted 4 minutes off the bench before picking up a severe-looking leg (we think) injury.
Isikeli Rabitu (Drua) - Picked up his third yellow card of the season so will have to face the judiciary. He is likely to be banned for one game.
Isaac Henry (Reds) - Listed as injured before rd 15. Source.
Hunter Paisami (Reds) - Listed as injured before rd 15. Source.

TK Howden (Highlanders) - Pulled pregame with injury. No more details yet.
Nikora Broughton (Highlanders) - Looks to have injured his left knee. Aiming to return in the QF. Source.
Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) - Now confirmed that he has a left Achilles rupture, requiring 6-9 months to return. Source.
Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) - Had a bad looking concussion. Hopefully he has a standard recovery so we would see him rd 16.
Reuben O’Neill (Chiefs) - Picked up a concussion in rd 14. Should be back rd 16. Source.
Lalakai Foketi (Chiefs) - Picked up a calf injury. Return date is tbc. Source.
Daniel Rona (Chiefs) - Injured his hamstring in rd 6, was named on the bench then pulled late. Back on the bench in rd 15. Source.
Pita Ahki (Blues) - Pulled late with a quad injury.
Ofa Tuʻungafasi (Blues) - Failed his HIA, will go through the normal concussion protocols.
Bradley Slater (Blues) - Failed his HIA, will go through the normal concussion protocols.
Hoskins Sotutu (Blues) - Failed his HIA, will go through the normal concussion protocols.
Taylor Cahill (Crusaders) - Now listed as having a hamstring injury. Aiming to return rd QF-SF. Source.
Maloni Kunawave (Crusaders) - Now listed as having a hamstring injury. Aiming to return rd SF. Source.
George Bell (Crusaders) - Now listed as having a calf injury. Aiming to return rd SF-GF Source.
Toby Bell (Crusaders) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury. Gone for the season. Source.
Mitch Drummond (Crusaders) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury. Gone for the season. Source.
Drew Wild (Hurricanes) - Listed as having a shoulder injury this week. Return date is TBC. Source.
Anaru Paenga-Morgan (Hurricanes) - Listed as having a concussion. Return date is Rd 16-QF. Source.
Josh Gray (Hurricanes) - Listed as having a calf injury. Return date is TBC. Source.

Likely Back for Round 15:

Inia Tabuavou (Drua) - Came off with a concussion in rd 11, will go through the normal protocols to return to play, so could be back this week.
Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs) - Suffered a concussion in rd 13. All going well, he would be back this week, but would need to be a late inclusion. Source.
Folau Fainga’a (Waratahs) - Succumbed to a left knee injury in rd 13 shortly after having it caught in a bit of an awkward tackle. They have eluded to the fact that he could return rd 15, but wasn’t named. Source.
Pete Samu (Waratahs) - Suffered a knee injury in rd 13. He seemed to be walking without any major issue before being taken off. Apparently he was a decent chance to play rd 15 but wasn’t named. Source.
Tate McDermott (Reds) - Suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery against the All Blacks in late September. Played club rugby in rd 14 and scored in his comeback. We would think he is a good chance to play this week. Source.
Josh Canham (Reds) - Right leg injury rd 4. His foot was planted and he twisted over it in a ruck. Needed to be assisted off by two people. We have heard it is actually a serious hamstring injury. Given he was spotted in a brace on the sideline, he may actually have a posterolateral corner (PLC) injury that can include the hamstring and some of the ligaments. Back this week.
Charlie Cale (Brumbies) - Injured his shoulder in rd 9. In rd 10 they announced he would be out for 4-6 weeks (Rd 15-16). Source.
Luke Reimer (Brumbies) - Knocked out in rd 12. so should be a good chance to return this week.
Doug Philipson (Force) - Missed the preseason with a knee injury. No longer listed as injured.

Du Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) - Was substituted at halftime after sustaining a knee injury early in the contest. Expected back rd 15. Source.
Josh Timu (Hurricanes) - Has an ankle injury as of rd 9. Return date is set at rd 15. Source.
Taine Roiri (Hurricanes) - Has a hamstring injury. Was aiming for rd 10, now pushed back to Rd 15. Source.
Arese Poliko (Hurricanes) - Expected back this week from a concussion. Source.
Will Jordan (Crusaders) - Missed rd 9 with calf muscle stiffness. Retore it, trying to return and is now expected back rd 15. Source.
Chay Fihaki (Crusaders) - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a hamstring injury. Return date brought forward to rd 15. Source.
Taha Kemara (Crusaders) - Had an ice pack on the knee and was off at halftime in rd 12. Expected back rd 14. Source.
Dallas McLeod (Crusaders) - Didn’t return from halftime in rd 13 due to an unlisted injury. Back starting this week.
Patrick Pellegrini (Moana) - Suffered a category 1 concussion (clearly knocked out) in rd 11. Good chance he is fit this week, although the Moana staff don’t tell us much.
Paula Latu (Moana) - Has a head knock. Was unavailable for rd 12, so might be fit this week. Source.
Daniel Rona (Chiefs) - Injured his hamstring in rd 6, was named on the bench then pulled late. Back on the bench in rd 15. Source.
Jona Nareki (Highlanders) - Shown a yellow card for a high tackle that was then upgraded to a red in rd 13. Was subsequently banned for two weeks, but somehow is named this week. Source.

Returned in Round 14:

Vaiolini Ekuasi (Force) - Pulled pregame to fly home for personal reasons in rd 12. Returned in rd 13. Started again this week.
Misinale Epenisa (Force) - Returned after overcoming a rd 12 concussion.
Ben Grant (Waratahs) - Returned via the bench from his concussion before rd 13.
Matt Philip (Waratahs) - Returned after missing last week with a short-term calf injury.
Jamie Adamson (Waratahs) - Missed last week with a cheekbone injury. We were suprised he was back quickly enough to play this week.
Kavaia Tagivetaua (Drua) - Came back off the bench after injuring his ankle back before rd 5.
Samu Tawake (Drua) - Returned via the bench after getting injured in rd 10.

Ruben Love (Hurricanes) - Recovered after missing last week with an unkown injury.
Samipeni Finau (Chiefs) - Pulled pregame rd 10 with a quad injury. Made his return via the bench.
Brodie McAlister (Chiefs) - Came off the becnh after recovering from a rd 11 calf injury.
Marcel Renata (Blues) - Missed rd 13 with a chest injury or a concussion. Back to his normal self this week.
Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes) - Pulled mid-week with an injury before rd 13. Recovered to start again this week.

Ongoing Injury List:

AUSTRALIA

Brumbies
Tuaina Taii Tualima - Out with a shoulder injury as of rd 12. Source.

Reds
Nicholas Conway - Listed as injured in rd 4. Source.
Tom Lynagh - Still struggling with a calf injury. Source.
Trevor King - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12. Source.
Kingsley Uys - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12, but he has been injured for at least 2 weeks. Source.
Aidan Ross - Listed as injured in rd 12.
Frankie Goldsbrough - Damaged his shoulder against NZ U20’s during rd 12. Source.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Listed as injured for rd 14. Source.

Waratahs
James Hendren - Has been unavailable from rd 6 due to a wrist injury, now back in full team training before rd 11, we hear he is due back roughly rd 14. Source. Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 13. Source.
Tom Lambert - Came off with a knee injury in rd 12. We can’t confirm the injury details yet, but it sounds like he won’t play again in Super Rugby this year.
Joey Walton - Came off with a neck injury in rd 12. Source.

Western Force
Alex Harford - Left the field in the trial against the Reds on Jan 23rd, holding his arm or shoulder in his jersey. Listed as a medium-term injury in rd 12. Source.
Ronan Leahy - Missing rd 9 with a knee injury. As of rd 12 listed as a short-term injury. Source.
Ben Donaldson - A quad injury ruled him out of rd 14. Said to be a short-term injury. Source.
Tom Robertson - Injured his calf and missed at least rd 14. Source.

NEW ZEALAND

Blues
Corey Evans - Missing rd 1 to 11 with an ankle injury. No confirmation on a return date. Source.
Jordan Lay - Missed rd 1 to 11 with a concussion. No return date set yet. Source.
Josh Fusitu’a - Injured his elbow in rd 2. We now know he has had an operation on his bicep, so we assume he ruptured it. They say he is targeting to play this season, but recovery should take at least 4 months (roughly June). Source.
Taufa Funaki - Came off the field with a shoulder injury late in the game in rd 11. Source.
Ben Ake - Came off in rd 12 after getting his foot caught spinning in a tackle. The mechanism looked like a syndesmosis injury; he was also grabbing at his shin, which fits our suspicion.
Josh Beehre - Missed rd 13 with a back injury, no confirmation on a return date. Source.
Sam Matenga - Listed as having a neck injury from rd 14. Source.
Codemeru Vai - Listed as having an ankle injury from rd 14. Source.
Dalton Papali’i - Broke his jaw in rd 13 and had surgery. Aiming to be fit for the semi or grand final. Source.

Chiefs
Etene Nanai-Seturo - Missed rd 8 with a foot injury. Aiming to return rd 16/QF. Source.
Emoni Narawa - Came off at halftime in rd 8 with a foot injury. Aiming to return rd 16-finals. Source.
Leroy Carter - Came off with a hamstring injury in rd 11. Aiming to return for the quarter finals. Source.

Crusaders
Liam Jack - Out with a hamstring injury. Aiming to return in rd 12. Source.
Aki Tuivailala - Concussed in rd 4. Return date TBC. Source.
Scott Barrett - Still finalising his return date from the sabbatical, but his intention is to return sometime in May. Source. Training with the squad before rd 11, at the time they said he was expected back in the next few weeks. Source.
Braydon Ennor - Pulled pregame rd 12. Has a hamstring injury and is expected back in 3 weeks (SF). Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin - Out with a neck injury. Return date is SF-after GF. Source.
Kurtis MacDonald - Tackled Perofeta in the air in rd 13, he landed on his head, so Kurtis was given a red card. Banned for 4 weeks, so he could only return in the grand final if needed.
Finlay Brewis - Listed as having a calf injury before rd 11. Expected back rd 16. Source.
Cullen Grace - “Busted” his patella in August for Canterbury. Aiming to return Rd 16. Source.
Will Tucker - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a concussion. Return date was rd 15, now changed to TBC. Source.

Highlanders
Jake Te Hiwi - Returning from surgery, back on the field again but still a little way off by the sounds of it on Feb 3rd. Source.
Finn Hurley - Suffered a hamstring injury in his first game of the season in rd 10. Expected back rd 16-QF. Source.

Hurricanes
Tom Allen - Was expected back from a leg injury for rd 2, but still down as injured. Source.
Tyrel Lomax - Returned from an ankle injury only to be pulled with a new ankle injury before rd 7. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Riley Higgins - Has a shoulder injury since before rd 12. His return date is TBC. Source.
Cam Roigard - Announced before rd 13 that he has a calf injury. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Ben Lopes - Missed rd 13 with a calf injury. Source.

PASIFIKA TEAMS

Fijian Drua
Meli Derenalagi - Expected to miss the bulk of the season due to a 2nd ACL injury he suffered in April 2025. He could return at 9 months (late Jan), but it is more likely he is closer to 12 months, given it is his 2nd ACL injury. Source.
Meli Tuni - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a knee injury. Source.
Aisea Nawai - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a leg injury. Source.
Isikeli Basiyalo - Came off in rd 10 straight after a dash down the sideline. He had his hammy taped up so we are assuming it is a hamstring muscle tear. He jogged off comfortably, but limped when walking which fits this diagnosis as well.
Motikiai Murray - Now listed as having an arm injury before rd 12. Source.
Iosefo Namoce - Pulled pregame rd 9. Not sure why.

Moana Pasifika
Tupou Afungia - Recovered from a neck injury, but suffered a concussion in rd 3. Now listed as a neck injury again in rd 6. Source.
Lolani Faleiva - Has a shoulder injury. No return date announced. Source.
Julian Savea - Came off in rd 6 with a nasty-looking shoulder injury. We suspect he has dislocated it, so he will be out for some time. Source.
Tito Tuipulotu - Missing rd 7 with a thumb injury. Source.
Monu Moli - Has a new foot injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Ngani Laumape - Has a new knee injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Tevita Ofa - Has a new finger injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Niko Jones - Limped off the field in rd 9 with a calf injury. Source.
Melani Matavao - Hurt his left knee shooting out of the line in defence in rd 10. We haven’t heard any more info yet. Source.
Lalomilo Lalomilo - Came off with what looked like quite a bad calf injury. Initially, he reacted like he had ruptured his Achilles, but he was eventually able to slowly walk off the pitch. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine - Pulled pregame rd 12 with a calf injury. Source.

Gone for the season:

Dan Nelson (Brumbies) - Fractured his fibula in his lower leg before d 5. Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Source.
Kye Oates (Brumbies) - Fracture dislocation of his ankle before rd 8. He has already had an operation. They said he is aiming to be back in 12 weeks (so won’t play again this season), but I think this is probably being hopeful. Source.
Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua) - Commentary said that Loganimasi came off with a dislocated wrist in rd 7. He has now been ruled out for the season with an arm injury, so we believe this is the reason. Source.
Epeli Momo (Drua) - Ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury before rd 8. Source.
Haereiti Hetet (Drua) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury, commentary confirmed he would be out for the season during rd 14. Source.
Darby Lancaster (Force) - Came down from taking a highball very awkwardly on his ankle in rd 8. The alarm bells rang after he said his “career” was over in a rd 10 interview; this has now been confirmed to be a mistake; he will just miss the rest of Super Rugby 2026. Source.
Henry Robertson (Force) - Tore his ACL in rd 13, will be out for the year. Source.
Angus Blyth (Waratahs) - Suffered a left ankle injury in rd 13. Judging by how his foot got caught under the maul, and how it was being assessed, he looks to have suffered a syndesmosis injury. This is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs) - Suffered a Lisfranc injury (foot) in rd 13 and will miss the rest of the season. Source.

Dylan Pledger (Highlanders) - Ruled out of all rugby for the year following a training ground accident that resulted in a complete rupture of his ACL in January. Source.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders) - Now confirmed he dislocated his right shoulder while trying to pilfer during a ruck on the 6th of Feb. Confirmed he will be out for the full Super Rugby season with an aim to return in the July international window. Source.
Josh Tengblad (Highlanders) - Suffered an ACL injury in rd 5. Out for the season. Source.
Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders) - Sustained an ankle fracture in rd 10, requiring surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby Season. Source.
Josh Bartlett (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a foot injury. Gone for the season. Source.
Harry Godfrey (Hurricanes) - Expected to miss the 2026 Super Rugby season due to an ACL injury. Source.
Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) - Stretchered off with a right knee injury. They haven’t told us what the injury is, but it was confirmed during rd 3 that he is having surgery and is out for the season. Source.
Cam Christie (Blues) - Hobbled off with a knee ligament injury in the Jan 30th trial. Now confirmed, he is out for the season. Source.
James White (Crusaders) - Suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Source.
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders) - Ruled out after rd 7 for the year with an infection of a disc in his back (Discitis). He will make a full recovery, but won’t play until at least the first international window. Source.
Jayden Sa (Chiefs) - Suffered a new shoulder injury in rd 5. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.

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Written by your local rugby nerd, Harrison Dale.

The penultimate round of the URC regular season yielded results that largely met expectations. The game of the round took place in Belfast, where an end-to-end contest between Ulster and the Stormers ended in a draw. Elsewhere, Connacht continued their late-season surge by battering Munster at home. Cardiff, the Lions, and Munster were the losers of the round and will all be feeling as though they need at least a couple of bonus points on the final day to hold off Connacht.

Team of the Week

OB: Werner Kok – Ulster (3 tries, 1 try assist, 2 line breaks, 1 line break assist, 2 dominant tackles)

A hat trick of easy finishes for the Ulster winger. His tries, while needing finishing, were perhaps the least interesting aspect of his performance as he put in a well-rounded performance. He was, expectedly, a danger ball in hand, but it was his typically all-action work on defence which caught the eye, with 2 dominant tackles being the highlight. Additionally, he was critical to Ulster’s winning of the aerial battle – 79 points

OB: Zac Ward – Ulster (1 try, 2 line breaks, 6 defenders beaten, 7/9 carries crossed the gain line)

Many of Ulster’s tries followed a similar pattern. Ulster would capitalise on a turnover or penalty coughed up by the Stormers before building momentum as they stormed towards their opponent’s try line. Eventually, Doak or the other playmakers would spot that the defence had narrowed before feeding the ball to a winger in space. Kok benefitted from three of these while Ward picked up a try himself. He was as dangerous ball-in-hand as ever with the majority of his carries crossing the gain line and beating 6 defenders – 75 points

OB: Kurt-Lee Arendse – Bulls (2 try assists, 2 line breaks, 2 line break assists, 111 metres carried)

The Bulls ran rampant against pitiful Zebre with KLA’s attacking output from fullback leading the way. He carried for over 100 metres but it was his unselfishness in playmaking which was the highlight. Arendse was happy to draw the defender and send his teammate for a try or line break as he assisted two of each – 79 points

CE: Andre Esterhuizen – Sharks (1 try, 2 try assists, 5 line break assists, 102 post-contact metres)

Esterhuizen’s stat sheet reads as an inside centre’s dream. This was a brutally dominant performance from the Sharks captain. He made 12 dominant carries (from just 15 total!), which yielded 7 defenders beaten and over 100 post-contact metres, and 2 dominant tackles. However, it was not just a display of raw physicality as his deft hands created 5 line break assists – once again the most across the round (the next highest being 2) – 100 points

CE: Jurenzo Julius – Sharks (3 tries, 7 defenders beaten, 4 line breaks, 2 dominant tackles)

This was, perhaps, Julius’s finest 80 minutes in a Sharks jersey. He has a reputation for being a dangerous ball carrier and in this game, he demonstrated that. His first try was a standout, receiving the ball on the drift on the 22 metre line with a number of defenders in his way. He uses his pace to get on the outside of his man before dummying and ghosting through two Benetton backs, stepping the last defender, and carrying two more defenders as he back peddled over the line. He would have topped many of the stat leaderboards if not for his captain – 99 points

FH: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – Stormers (2 tries, 2 linebreaks, 10 defenders beaten, 5/5 kicks at goal)

A simply sublime performance from SFM away against Ulster. The home side could not contain his running threat as he ran hard lines and received the ball flat to the line to score twice. Perhaps his moment of the evening, although unfortunately not resulting in a try, was a mesmeric sideways run and dummy which left Jude Postlethwaite grasping at thin air. He kicked all his goals, delivering perhaps his most complete performance of the season in the process – 84 points

SH: George Horne – Glasgow (1 try assist, 2 linebreaks, 1 linebreak assist, 58 meters carried)

Horne was, as ever, the beating heart of the Glasgow attack – keeping the relentless pace up. His try assist was indicative of this. While in isolation it was a simple pass to a forward who did all the work, it demonstrates his ability to keep the momentum of the attack up by picking the right option – 74 points

BR: Jack Dempsey – Glasgow (1 try, 2 linebreaks, 5 defenders beaten)

Dempsey led from the front as he powered Glasgow back to the top of the table with a powerful performance in the carry. He was the leading forward in the round for both line breaks and dominant carries (8), while his 5 defenders beaten was just 1 off of top spot. His try was emblematic of this as he took advantage of soft Cardiff shoulders to power over from close range – 92 points

BR: Cameron Hanekom – Bulls (1 try, 106 meters carried, 16/17 carries cross the gain line, 6 offloads) – Player of the Round

A stunning return to form for Hanekom. The young back rower hadn’t quite hit the levels of the past two seasons following his recent return from a long-term injury, but against Zebre he reminded us all of what he is capable of. He beat 6 defenders, the most of any forward, and made 6 offloads, double the next best player. This is in addition to his absurd carry stats, where nearly every carry crossed the gain line yielding over 100 meters gained for his side – 102 points

BR: Francke Horn – Lions (1 try, 1 linebreak, 1 linebreak assist, 1 dominant tackle)

Horn is proving to be a mainstay in the TOTW. He may not be the back rower with the most pace or power, but he is a highly intelligent and skilled operator – especially in the wide channels. He led his side valiantly against star-studded Leinster who ultimately pulled away in the final 15 minutes – 75 points

LK: Ruben van Heerden – Stormers (23 carries, 5 lineout takes, 45 post-contact meters)

Van Heerden provided serious grunt to the Stormers pack which was largely on top of their Ulster counterparts. He was immense ball in hand making the most carries of any player in the round. These carries were effective, with 14 crossing the gain line and yielding 45 post-contact meters – 59 points

LK: Darragh Murray – Connacht (17/18 tackles, 1 turnover won, 1 lineout steal)

Murray was a defensive powerhouse and was critical to restricting Munster to just one score. He made an impressive 17/18 tackles, making him the joint top tackler amongst second-rowers. He chipped in with two critical turnovers, one at the breakdown and one at lineout – 60 points

PR: Ntuthuko Mchunu – Stormers (1 try assist, 8/8 tackles, 4 defenders beaten)

It may have taken Mchunu a while to get up to speed at the Stormers, but the bulldozing prop is now firmly one of the best looseheads in the league. He forms part of an ever-dominant Stormers scrum but his USP lies in the loose. He is due at least 1 storming run per game and against Ulster it was no different. He broke the line in the build up to the Stormers opening try, leaving Roos with little to do close to the line. His 37 meters carried was the highest by a prop– 65 points

HK: Johnny Matthews – Glasgow (2 tries, 11/11 lineout throws, 4 defenders beaten)

Matthews bid farewell to the Glasgow faithful with a vintage performance. The image that will be planted in Glasgow fans’ minds when they remember the hooker will be of him crashing over from the back of the maul over and over again. Matthews gave the crowd two more maul tries to remember as he helped his side earn a much-needed bonus point win over Cardiff – 101 points

PR: Billy Bohan – Connacht (12/12 tackles, 1 line break assist, 4 defenders beaten)

Bohan made an impact on both attack and defence, providing much-needed grunt in Connacht’s victory over Munster. He made all his tackles, with 1 being dominant. However, it was in attack where he made his real mark as he beat the joint number of defenders for a prop (4) and assisted a line break – 77 points

Written by Ryan

In a round defined by roster volatility, we saw one manager attempt to trade his way out of a slump with a near-total squad overhaul, while others leaned into clinical trades to secure vital bonus points.

What is the OG League? For those newcomers joining us, The OG League is the founding Draft Rugby fantasy league and is in its 14th year of playing Draft Rugby. The OG League is a public and featured league on the draft rugby platform that you can follow along for the season if you have signed up to the platform. You can find it on the public leagues page featured at the top of draftrugby.com/leagues/join

Super Rugby Pacific Round 13 Top Performers

You can read about the full round 13 team of the week here.

Trades: The “Nabung Revolving Door” & Midfield Shuffles

The trade floor was absolute carnage this week, led by a man on a mission to stop a five-game slide.

• The Great Nabung Overhaul: Alexander Nabung went into full “Panic Mode,” turning over almost his entire starting roster. He swapped out mainstays like Cam Roigard, William Havili, and TK Howden for the likes of Frank Lomani, Isaac Hutchinson, and Miracle Faiilagi. He even traded away Jared Proffit and Caleb Delany in a blockbuster with Blake.

• The End Game: This week marked the start of the end game with big names being dropped as we wind down to the finals redraft. This week, names like George Bell, Joey Walton, Leroy Carter, Cam Roigard, and Taha Kemara all got traded away.

• The “Sapsford” Saga: Sean Stokoe (Lam & Order) managed to trade for Ollie Sapsford twice in the same window, eventually dealing him to Nelson for Xavi Taele.

You can check out the casualty ward updates for rounds 13-14, detailing all Super Rugby Pacific 2026 injuries and returns here.

Round 13 Fixtures:

Roigardians of the Galaxy vs. Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum

Result: 576 – 618 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)

In what can only be described as a high-scoring shootout of epic proportions, Andrew (Expecto) tied up his head-to-head with Nabung for the 2026 season. Nabung, desperate to halt a terrifying slide down the table, went into full “Panic Station” mode mid-week, turning over nearly his entire starting XV in a frantic trade session. While the new-look Roigardians actually put up a very respectable 576 points, it simply wasn’t enough to withstand the Andrew juggernaut.

The undisputed MVP of the clash was Caleb Tangitau, whose massive 104-point haul acted as a total wrecking ball to Nabung’s defense. Supported by the clinical efficiency of Ryan Lonergan (60), Andrew’s side looked every bit the premiership contender. Nabung can take some small comfort in securing a rare “double bonus” weekend; bagging an Attacking BP for clearing 550 and a Losing BP for staying within the 50-point margin, but a six-game losing streak is a heavy cross to bear as he tumbles toward the playoff bubble.

The Toole Shed vs. Lam & Order

Result: 547 – 448 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)

Wylie (The Toole Shed) is officially the “form horse” of the bottom half of the table, continuing his late-season resurgence by dismantling a completely flat Sean Stokoe. The “Shed” is looking increasingly structurally sound, with Christian Lio-Willie (69) and Harry Johnson-Holmes (58) providing the grunt up front that Sean simply couldn’t match.

For Lam & Order, the siren is sounding on a few key assets. Sean struggled to find any rhythm all weekend, but the glaring issue remains Andy Muirhead. Following up last week’s -1 with a pedestrian 3-point showing is becoming a genuine concern for a team that was once safely in the top four. Wylie will be slightly aggrieved to miss out on an Attacking Bonus Point by a measly 3 points, but he’ll take the win over his long-time rival any day. Sean, meanwhile, leaves the weekend with nothing but a bruised ego and a lot of work to do in the trade window.

Leicester We Forget vs. Situti Down

Result: 516 – 623 (Season Series: Cargie Leads Harry 2-0)

Welcome to the “Cargie Clinic.” David (Situti Down) put up the round-high score of 623, a performance that firmly cements his status as a title threat. It was a textbook Chiefs-Crusaders masterclass: Wallace Sititi (91) and Jamie Hannah (91) were absolutely untouchable, providing a scoring ceiling that Harry just couldn’t reach.

Harry (Leicester We Forget) wasn’t exactly poor, but he leaned far too heavily on his namesake, Leicester Fainga’anuku (88). While the Crusaders’ center (backrower?) did his part, Harry’s normally solid back row lacked the necessary punch to stay in the hunt once Cargie’s big guns started firing. David easily bags the Attacking Bonus Point and moves into third place, while Harry is left looking over his shoulder at Wylie in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

SAMISONIC THE HEDGEHOG vs. Ofa Tu’ungaFAST & The Furious

Result: 547 – 467 (Season Series: Nelson leads Blake 2-0)

The “Hedgehog” has officially bitten back! In a result that has blown the race for the Minor Premiership wide open, Nelson (SAMISONIC) handed league leader Blake his fourth loss of the season in a dominant display. Nelson’s tactical shift paid off handsomely, with Tuna Tuitama (59) and Sid Harvey (55) providing the creative fireworks that left Blake’s defense chasing shadows.

It was a rare and jarring off-night for Ofa Tu’ungaFAST. Aside from Josh Moorby’s heroic 91-point effort, the rest of Blake’s star-studded roster struggled to make an impact, with the majority of the team failing to cross the 40-point threshold individually. Blake still maintains a buffer at the top of the log, but Nelson has now proven twice this season that the juggernaut can be bled. The race for that home semi-final is officially on.

Round 12 OG League Fantasy Facts

• Best Player: Caleb Tangitau (104 points) – Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum

• Best Trade/ The "Clinical Cycle" Award: Nelson Dale, whose trade for Xavier Roe (56) continues his "Waiver Wire Wizard" reputation.

• Best Free Agent: Franco Molina (54) - Western Force.

• Biggest Coaching Mistake: Sean Stokie leaving Lachlan Lonergan (50) on the bench, choosing to start Mills Sanerivi (16) instead.

The OG League Table After Round 13:

Blake (Ofa Tu’ungaFAST) still holds the top spot (45 pts), but Nelson (SAMISONIC) has closed the gap to just 4 points. Cargie (Situti Down) is the man in form in 3rd (38 pts), looking dangerous for the finals. Andrew (Expecto) has surged into 4th, leapfrogging Sean and the free-falling Nabung. At the bottom, Wylie and Harry are locked at 23 points, battling to avoid the wooden spoon.

With the regular season almost over, can Nabung finally buy a win, or has the “Panic Button” permanently short-circuited the Roigardian engine?

Logged-in users can view the full OG League results and detailed breakdowns here.

What’s New on Draft Rugby?

Bug Fixes:

This week we fixed a few league team roster bugs to ensure trading and trade proposals are always working as intended. You probably haven’t noticed the bugs, but now you never will!

Light/Dark Mode:
The display changes should be released shortly as we put the final touches on some design choices.

Draft Rugby Pro:

We have been teasing it all season, the guys have been hard at work on the payment system as we near closer to a release date. No full release yet, but expect some news and new features soon!

Written by Harrison Dale

If the Race to the top Six was a marathon, Round 13 was the moment the pack split. While the flashy finishers claimed the headlines, the real difference in head-to-head matchups was found in much tighter. With the Casualty Ward still looming large and the Trade Window snapping up more big-name targets every week, identifying the high-volume anchors is the only way to find that 1% edge over your mates. This week, we saw a masterclass in the donkey work from the Crusaders' engine room and a breakout for the ages in the Chiefs' back row that has managers scrambling to see who is still a Free Agent.

Team of the Week

1: George Bower – Prop, Crusaders (61 pts)

Bower provided a masterclass in front-row involvement. Pairing a clinical try with 12 tackles and 17 ruck arrivals, he generated a massive scoring floor. In our scoring engine, a prop making 12 tackles is pure fantasy gold before they even hit a scrum.

2: George Bell – Hooker, Crusaders (64 pts)

Bell is the ultimate point-per-minute (PPM) weapon. Scoring 64 points in just 30 minutes of action is a statistical outlier that cannot be ignored. With 7 gain-line crosses and a try, he remains a golden asset whether he is starting or on the bench.

3: Ollie Norris – Prop, Chiefs (60 pts)

Norris continues to justify his high draft capital with a relentless 59-minute shift. 12 tackles and 20 ruck arrivals provided the volume, but his 2 turnovers won showed a breakdown nuisance level rarely seen from a loosehead prop.

4: Jamie Hannah – Lock, Crusaders (91 pts)

Hannah delivered an all-time engine-room shift. 31 ruck arrivals and 10 lineout takes is a level of relentless involvement usually reserved for entire locking pairs. Add in a try and 15 tackles, and you have the perfect high-floor anchor for your pack.

5: Tupou Vaa’i – Lock, Chiefs (64 pts)

Vaa’i remains a model of consistency in the second row. 30 ruck arrivals and 5 lineout takes ensure that even in a physical arm-wrestle, his floor remains safe for your weekly matchup. He is the definition of a blue-chip locking asset.

6: Wallace Sititi – Back Row, Chiefs (91 pts)

Sititi celebrated his return to full fitness with a monstrous “double-double” performance. 21 tackles and 14 carries, capped off by a brace of tries; this is back-row dominance personified. If you held him through his stint in the Casualty Ward, you’re laughing all the way to the playoffs.

7: Christian Lio-Willie – Back Row, Crusaders (69 pts)

Lio-Willie showcased his raw athleticism with 6 dominant carries and 6 lineout takes. His 20 ruck arrivals and 13 tackles provide the consistent involvement Draft managers crave, this is the performance so many managers have been waiting for from the proven top-tier back-rower before the season’s final sprint.

8: Carlo Tizzano – Back Row, Western Force (59 pts)

The quintessential “Tackle Machine” was at it again. Tizzano’s value comes from pure relentless grit: 35 ruck arrivals and 15 tackles. He remains the ultimate head-to-head weapon who rewards managers through pure nuisance value and high-volume work rate.

9: Ryan Lonergan – Scrumhalf, Brumbies (60 pts)

Volume is king for Lonergan. He registered 70 passes and 17 individual points, facilitating the Brumbies’ attack with clinical precision. His 12 kicks from hand show he is taking full tactical control as the Brumbies hunt for a home semi-final.

10: Rivez Reihana – Flyhalf, Crusaders (57 pts)

Reihana stepped into the playmaking hub and delivered with 5 tackle busts and 49 post-contact metres. Fly-halves who challenge the line and facilitate 9 gain-line crosses provide a massive ceiling that breaks matchups wide open.

11: Caleb Tangitau – Outside Back, Highlanders (104 pts)

Tangitau was electric out wide, recording a staggering 12 tackle busts and 64 post-contact metres. His ability to beat defenders in space confirms his status as an All Black prospect who must be owned as the Highlanders fight for their playoff lives.

12: Leicester Fainga’anuku – Centre, Crusaders (88 pts)

Leicester was a nightmare for the defense, recording 15 tackles and 33 ruck arrivals; stats usually reserved for a blindside flanker. Pairing that volume with 2 try assists from short kicks, he remains the ultimate multi-category weapon for a title run.

13: Billy Proctor – Centre, Hurricanes (58 pts)

Proctor provided the creative spark the Canes needed with 3 try assists and 4 offloads. Midfielders who can rack up distribution stats alongside a high-volume tackle floor are fantasy gold in the final weeks of the season.

14: Josh Moorby – Outside Back, Hurricanes (91 pts)

The “haul” king delivered a clinical finishing masterclass with 4 tries and 5 line breaks. 89 carry metres and 61 post-contact metres prove he is the primary strike runner in a rampant Hurricanes side.

15: Jonah Lowe – Outside Back, Highlanders (59 pts)

Lowe continues to shine in the Highlanders’ back three. 2 line breaks and a brace of tries provided a safe floor, while his high involvement rate ensures he isn’t just a “try or bust” winger.

Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)

Jamie Hannah (Crusaders - Lock): With Scott Barrett observing his sabbatical, Hannah has transformed from a depth option into a frontline workhorse. His Round 13 performance was a masterclass in lock volume: 10 lineout takes and 31 ruck arrivals. Under our position-specific scoring, Hannah’s ability to dominate the set-piece and hit huge tackle numbers (15) creates a massive scoring floor. Secure him before your rivals realize he’s a locked-in starter.

Wallace Sititi (Chiefs - Back Row): Having recently returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the mid-season rounds, Sititi is a primary target for the Trade Window. His 91-point explosion in Round 13, featuring 21 tackles and 2 tries, proves he is a high-volume, relentless anchor who can anchor your back row during the Chiefs’ title charge. Claim him now while other managers are still evaluating his durability.

Tuna Tuitama (Moana Pasifika - Outside Back): This "pocket rocket" has seized his opportunity following significant backline injuries to veteran stars like Julian Savea and Neria Fomai. Tuitama’s statistical profile is that of an elite attacking hub: he has racked up 8 line breaks and 19 tackle busts, while his 114 post-contact metres showcase a physical directness that Draft managers love. Pair that with a reliable scoring floor from 45 ruck arrivals, and you have a mandatory waiver add to secure in the Trade Window before his ownership sky-rockets.

Written by Harry Dale

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Note: The Casualty Ward will be released Sunday/ Monday for all paid subscribers, and Thursday for all free readers.

New Injuries Round 13:

Angus Blyth (Waratahs) - Came off after 27 minutes with a left ankle injury. Judging by how his foot got caught under the maul, and how it was being assessed, he looks to have suffered a syndesmosis injury. This is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.
Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs) - Suffered a concussion from the contact that was registered on his mouthguard. Won’t return for at least 12 days. Source.
Folau Fainga’a (Waratahs) - Succumbed to a left knee injury shortly after having it caught in a bit of an awkward tackle. The knee was heavily strapped even when he came onto the field. Source.
Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs) - Suffered a Lisfranc injury (foot) and will miss the rest of the season. Source.
Pete Samu (Waratahs) - Suffered a knee injury, but he seemed to be walking without any major issue before being taken off. Source.
Henry Robertson (Force) - Tore his ACL, will be out for the year. Source.
Ben Donaldson (Force) - Has a quad injury. Said to be a short-term injury. Source.
Haereiti Hetet (Drua) - Now listed as having a shoulder injury. Source.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (Reds) - Listed as injured for rd 14. Source.

Dalton Papali’i (Blues) - Returned from a rd 11 concussion only to break his jaw. The injury is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season. Source.
Sam Matenga (Blues) - Now listed as injured with a neck injury. Source.
Codemeru Vai (Blues) - Now listed as injured with an ankle injury. Source.
Kurtis MacDonald (Crusaders) - Tackled Perofeta in the air, he landed on his head, so Kurtis was given a red card.
Dallas McLeod (Crusaders) - Didn’t return from halftime due to an unlisted injury.
Du Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes) - Was substituted at halftime after sustaining a knee injury early in the contest. Expected back rd 15. Source.
Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes) - Pulled mid-week with an injury. Back for Rd 15.
Jona Nareki (Highlanders) - Shown a yellow card for a high tackle that was then upgraded to a red. Was subsequently banned for two weeks. Source.

Likely Back for Round 14:

Inia Tabuavou (Drua) - Came off with a concussion in rd 11, will go through the normal protocols to return to play, so could be back this week.
Misinale Epenisa (Force) - Failed an HIA in rd 12. All going well, he could be back this week.
Ben Grant (Waratahs) - Out as of rd 13 with a concussion, so could return this week. Source.

Ruben Love (Hurricanes) - Was ruled out for rd 13 with a short-term injury, expected back this week. Source.
Ngane Punivai (Hurricanes) - His hamstring injury sustained before rd 5 has a return date of rd 11-12, and no longer listed as unavailable for rd 12, so he should be available. Source.
Sefo Kautai (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a knee injury. Return date is rd 13-14. Source.
Tai Cribb (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a shoulder injury. Return date is rd 13-14. Source.
Kaylum Boshier (Chiefs) - Pulled pregame rd 10 with a concussion. A normal return would have him back rd 14. Source.
Samipeni Finau (Chiefs) - Pulled pregame rd 10 with a quad injury. Expected back rd 14-15. Source.
Jahrome Brown (Chiefs) - Suffered a concussion in rd 11. Might return Rd 14 as he goes through the return to play (RTP) protocols. Source.
Daniel Rona (Chiefs) - Injured in his hamstring in rd 6, return date set for rd 14. Source.
Brodie McAlister (Chiefs) - Off after 26 minutes with a calf injury in rd 11. Aiming to return rd 14. Source.
Marcel Renata (Blues) - Missed rd 13 with a chest injury or a concussion, back this week. Source, Source.

Returned in Round 13:

Daniel Botha (Waratahs) - Started after serving his two week suspension.
Harry Potter (Waratahs)- Returned off the bench from a Concussion.
Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies) - Returned from a Rd 11 concussion.
Lachie Anderson (Reds) - Returned from a serious wrist injury trying to tackle Tualima in rd 4.
Carter Gordon (Reds) - Returned from a cartilage injury in his knee in rd 9.
Vaiolini Ekuasi (Force) - Pulled pregame to fly home for personal reasons in rd 12. Returned in rd 13.

Kini Naholo (Hurricanes) - Made his long-awaited return for the first game of the season after recovering from an ACL and foot injury.
Bailyn Sullivan (Hurricanes) - Played off the bench after recovering from a leg injury.
Hugo Plummer (Hurricanes) - Came off the bench after overcoming an ankle injury before rd 9.
Dalton Papali’i (Blues) - Returned from a rd 11 concussion.
Laghlan McWhannell (Blues) - Missed rd 6 to 12 with a concussion. Came back off the bench this week.
Malachi Wrampling (Blues) - Ruled out of rd 11 and 12 with a hamstring injury. Started for the Blues this week.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues) - Returned from a concussion and a calf injruy that has kept him out since rd 9.
Reuben O’Neill (Chiefs) - Returned after being pulled pregame rd 10 for an unknown reason.
Luke Jacobson (Chiefs) - Back after being ruled out of rd 11 with an undisclosed injury.
Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) - Returned from a nasty-looking concussion in rd 10.
Sevu Reece (Crusaders) - Pulled pregame due to illness in rd 11. Made his comeback this week.

Ongoing Injury List:

AUSTRALIA

Brumbies
Charlie Cale - Injured his shoulder in rd 9. In rd 10 they announced he would be out for 4-6 weeks (Rd 15-16). Source.
Tuaina Taii Tualima - Out with a shoulder injury as of rd 12. Source.
Luke Reimer - Knocked out in rd 12. Will go through the concussion protocols, so won’t play for at least 12 days. Should return after the rd 14 bye.

Reds
Tate McDermott - Suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery against the All Blacks in late September. Has had a few setbacks with his recovery, playing club rugby in rd 14. Source.
Nicholas Conway - Listed as injured in rd 4. Source.
Josh Canham - Right leg injury rd 4. His foot was planted and he twisted over it in a ruck. Needed to be assisted off by two people. We have heard it is actually a serious hamstring injury. Given he was spotted in a brace on the sideline, he may actually have a posterolateral corner (PLC) injury that can include the hamstring and some of the ligaments.
Tom Lynagh - Still struggling with a calf injury. Source.
Trevor King - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12. Source.
Kingsley Uys - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12, but he has been injured for at least 2 weeks. Source.
Aidan Ross - Listed as injured in rd 12.
Frankie Goldsbrough - Damaged his shoulder against NZ U20’s during rd 12. Source.

Waratahs
James Hendren - Has been unavailable from rd 6 due to a wrist injury, now back in full team training before rd 11, we hear he is due back roughly rd 14. Source. Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 13. Source.
Tom Lambert - Came off with a knee injury in rd 12. We can’t confirm the injury details yet, but it sounds like he won’t play again in Super Rugby this year.
Joey Walton - Came off with a neck injury in rd 12. Source.
Matt Philip - Out from rd 13 with a short-term calf injury. Source.
Jamie Adamson - Out as of rd 13 with a cheekbone injury. We assume a fracture which would most likely cost him a few weeks. Source.

Western Force
Doug Philipson - Missed the preseason with a knee injury. Listed as a short-term injury as of rd 12. Source.
Alex Harford - Left the field in the trial against the Reds on Jan 23rd, holding his arm or shoulder in his jersey. Listed as a medium-term injury in rd 12. Source.
Ronan Leahy - Missing rd 9 with a knee injury. As of rd 12 listed as a short-term injury. Source.

NEW ZEALAND

Blues
Corey Evans - Missing rd 1 to 11 with an ankle injury. No confirmation on a return date. Source.
Jordan Lay - Missed rd 1 to 11 with a concussion. No return date set yet. Source.
Josh Fusitu’a - Injured his elbow in rd 2. We now know he has had an operation on his bicep, so we assume he ruptured it. They say he is targeting to play this season, but recovery should take at least 4 months (roughly June). Source.
Taufa Funaki - Came off the field with a shoulder injury late in the game in rd 11. Source.
Ben Ake - Came off in rd 12 after getting his foot caught spinning in a tackle. The mechanism looked like a syndesmosis injury; he was also grabbing at his shin, which fits our suspicion.
Josh Beehre - Missed rd 13 with a back injury, no confirmation on a return date. Source.

Chiefs
Etene Nanai-Seturo - Missed rd 8 with a foot injury. Aiming to return rd 16/QF. Source.
Emoni Narawa - Came off at halftime in rd 8 with a foot injury. Aiming to return rd 16-finals. Source.
Leroy Carter - Came off with a hamstring injury in rd 11. Aiming to return for the quarter finals. Source.

Crusaders
Liam Jack - Out with a hamstring injury. Aiming to return in rd 12. Source.
Cullen Grace - “Busted” his patella in August for Canterbury. Aiming to return Rd 15. Source.
Aki Tuivailala - Concussed in rd 4. Return date TBC. Source.
Scott Barrett - Still finalising his return date from the sabbatical, but his intention is to return sometime in May. Source. Training with the squad before rd 11, at the time they said he was expected back in the next few weeks. Source.
Will Jordan - Missed rd 9 with calf muscle stiffness. Retore it, trying to return and is now expected back rd 15. Source.
Will Tucker - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a concussion. Return date is rd 15. Source.
Chay Fihaki - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a hamstring injury. Return date brought forward to rd 15. Source.
Braydon Ennor - Pulled pregame rd 12. Has a hamstring injury and is expected back in 4 weeks (QF). Source.
Taha Kemara - had an ice pack on the knee and was off at halftime in rd 12. Expected back rd 14. Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin - Out with a neck injury. Return date is TBC. Source.
Finlay Brewis - Newly listed as having a calf injury in rd 11. Expected back rd 15-QF. Source.

Highlanders
Jake Te Hiwi - Returning from surgery, back on the field again but still a little way off by the sounds of it on Feb 3rd. Source.
Finn Hurley - Suffered a hamstring injury in his first game of the season in rd 10. Expected back rd 16-QF. Source.
Josh Bartlett - As of rd 12 he has a foot injury. Return date is TBC. Source.

Hurricanes
Tom Allen - Was expected back from a leg injury for rd 2, but still down as injured. Source.
Tyrel Lomax - Returned from an ankle injury only to be pulled with a new ankle injury before rd 7. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Josh Timu - Has an ankle injury as of rd 9. Return date is set at rd 15. Source.
Riley Higgins - Has a shoulder injury since before rd 12. His return date is TBC. Source.
Cam Roigard - Announced before rd 13, out for 3-4 weeks due to a calf injury. Source.
Ben Lopes - Missed rd 13 with a calf injury. Source.
Taine Roiri - Has a hamstring injury. Was aiming for rd 10, now pushed back to Rd 14. Source.

PASIFIKA TEAMS

Fijian Drua
Meli Derenalagi - Expected to miss the bulk of the season due to a 2nd ACL injury he suffered in April 2025. He could return at 9 months (late Jan), but it is more likely he is closer to 12 months, given it is his 2nd ACL injury. Source.
Meli Tuni - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a knee injury. Source.
Aisea Nawai - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a leg injury. Source.
Kavaia Tagivetaua - Listed as having an ankle injury as of rd 5. Source.
Isikeli Basiyalo - Came off in rd 10 straight after a dash down the sideline. He had his hammy taped up so we are assuming it is a hamstring muscle tear. He jogged off comfortably, but limped when walking which fits this diagnosis as well.
Samu Tawake - Off after 34 minutes in rd 10. No clarity as to what he injured yet.
Motikiai Murray - Now listed as having an arm injury before rd 12. Source.
Iosefo Namoce - Pulled pregame rd 9. Not sure why.

Moana Pasifika
Tupou Afungia - Recovered from a neck injury, but suffered a concussion in rd 3. Now listed as a neck injury again in rd 6. Source.
Lolani Faleiva - Has a shoulder injury. No return date announced. Source.
Julian Savea - Came off in rd 6 with a nasty-looking shoulder injury. We suspect he has dislocated it, so he will be out for some time. Source.
Tito Tuipulotu - Missing rd 7 with a thumb injury. Source.
Monu Moli - Has a new foot injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Ngani Laumape - Has a new knee injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Tevita Ofa - Has a new finger injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Niko Jones - Limped off the field in rd 9 with a calf injury. Source.
Melani Matavao - Hurt his left knee shooting out of the line in defence in rd 10. We haven’t heard any more info yet. Source.
Lalomilo Lalomilo - Came off with what looked like quite a bad calf injury. Initially, he reacted like he had ruptured his Achilles, but he was eventually able to slowly walk off the pitch. Source.
Patrick Pellegrini - Suffered a category 1 concussion (clearly knocked out) in rd 11. He will undergo a minimum 12-day return-to-play period, so he should be fit after the bye.
Paula Latu - Has a head knock. Was unavailable for rd 12, so might be fit after the bye. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine - Pulled pregame rd 12 with a calf injury. Source.

Gone for the season:

Dan Nelson (Brumbies) - Fractured his fibula in his lower leg before d 5. Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Source.
Kye Oates (Brumbies) - Fracture dislocation of his ankle before rd 8. He has already had an operation. They said he is aiming to be back in 12 weeks (so won’t play again this season), but I think this is probably being hopeful. Source.
Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua) - Commentary said that Loganimasi came off with a dislocated wrist in rd 7. He has now been ruled out for the season with an arm injury, so we believe this is the reason. Source.
Epeli Momo (Drua) - Ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury before rd 8. Source.
Darby Lancaster (Force) - Came down from taking a highball very awkwardly on his ankle in rd 8. The alarm bells rang after he said his “career” was over in a rd 10 interview; this has now been confirmed to be a mistake; he will just miss the rest of Super Rugby 2026. Source.

Dylan Pledger (Highlanders) - Ruled out of all rugby for the year following a training ground accident that resulted in a complete rupture of his ACL in January. Source.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders) - Now confirmed he dislocated his right shoulder while trying to pilfer during a ruck on the 6th of Feb. Confirmed he will be out for the full Super Rugby season with an aim to return in the July international window. Source.
Josh Tengblad (Highlanders) - Suffered an ACL injury in rd 5. Out for the season. Source.
Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders) - Sustained an ankle fracture in rd 10, requiring surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby Season. Source.
Harry Godfrey (Hurricanes) - Expected to miss the 2026 Super Rugby season due to an ACL injury. Source.
Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) - Stretchered off with a right knee injury. They haven’t told us what the injury is, but it was confirmed during rd 3 that he is having surgery and is out for the season. Source.
Cam Christie (Blues) - Hobbled off with a knee ligament injury in the Jan 30th trial. Now confirmed, he is out for the season. Source.
James White (Crusaders) - Suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Source.
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders) - Ruled out after rd 7 for the year with an infection of a disc in his back (Discitis). He will make a full recovery, but won’t play until at least the first international window. Source.
Jayden Sa (Chiefs) - Suffered a new shoulder injury in rd 5. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.

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Written by your local rugby nerd, Harrison Dale.

What is the OG League? For those newcomers joining us, The OG League is the founding Draft Rugby fantasy league and is in its 14th year of playing Draft Rugby. The OG League is a public and featured league on the draft rugby platform that you can follow along for the season if you have signed up to the platform. You can find it on the public leagues page featured at the top of draftrugby.com/leagues/join

Super Rugby Pacific Round 12 Top Performers

You can read about the full round 12 team of the week here.

Trades

The trade floor was a hive of activity, but the headlines were dominated by a bit of "Dark Arts" from Sean Stokoe (Lam & Order).

• The Illegal Maneuver: In a move that has the league’s integrity committee (the group chat) in an uproar, Sean attempted to accept a trade proposal from Nelson Dale that had been sitting in the inbox for weeks. He tried to ship out Andy Muirhead and Du’Plessis Kirifi for Ethan Blackadder and Zac Lomax, the only problem? Nelson had already traded those players away weeks ago. Nice try, Sean, but you can’t trade ghosts.

• The Bottom of the table Rebuild: James Wylie was hyperactive, bringing in Sevu Reece and Pasilio Tosi, while Harrison Dale snagged Liam Coombes-Fabling and Bailyn Sullivan.

• Prop Shuffles: Andrew Pisani brought in Malakai Hala-Ngatai (37), while Nelson Dale secured Rhys Van Nek (49).

You can check out the casualty ward updates for rounds 12-13, detailing all Super Rugby Pacific 2026 injuries and returns here.

Round 12 Fixtures:

Lam & Order vs. Ofa Tu’ungaFAST & The Furious

Result: 530 - 510 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)
The upset of the round! Sean (Lam & Order) managed to hand the league leader Blake his third loss of the season. Despite the trade scandal hanging over his head, Sean relied on a massive 90 point masterclass from Mills Sanerivi and a solid 72 from Ben Donaldson. Blake (Ofa Tu’ungaFAST) was uncharacteristically quiet, though Lachlan Shaw (77) did his best to keep them in it. Blake bags a Losing Bonus Point, while Sean falls just short of the 550 mark for an attacking bonus.

SAMISONIC THE HEDGEHOG vs. Situti Down

Result: 574 - 597 (Season Series: Cargie Leads Nelson 2-0)
In a heavyweight clash that saw both managers clear the 550 mark, Cargie (Situti Down) edged out Nelson in a thriller. Cargie’s victory was anchored by Noah Hotham (65) and Rob Valetini (57). Nelson (SAMISONIC) will be gutted; despite Carlo Tizzano (70) and Jordie Barrett (59) firing, he fell 23 points short. He will be wondering what more he can do after making a psych-up highlights video of new recruit Tuna Tuitama, who only bagged him 4 points. Nelson also gained a 2nd competition point through a vital Losing BP.

Roigardians of the Galaxy vs. The Toole Shed

Result: 514 - 625 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)
The “Shed” is officially rebuilt! Wylie (The Toole Shed) put up a massive 625 to dismantle the slumping Nabung. Isikeli Rabitu (69) and Fraser McReight (63) were clinical. Nabung (Roigardians) is now on a five-game losing streak, and while Cam Roigard (67) fought hard, the lack of depth is starting to look terminal for the former leader.

Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum vs. Leicester We Forget

Result: 647 - 577 (Season Series: Tied at 1-1)
Andrew (Expecto) consolidated his rank over Harry in the highest-scoring matchup of the weekend. Seru Uru (85) and trade-pickup Kade Banks (63) were the stars. Harry (Leicester We Forget) put up a valiant 577, led by Leicester Fainga’anuku (55), but simply couldn’t stop Andrew’s offensive juggernaut. He will be seething that Caleb Clarke (40) was outshone by his rookie wing counterpart against Moana.

Round 12 OG League Fantasy Facts

• Best Player: Mills Sanerivi (90 points) – Lam & Order

• Best Trade: Kade Banks (63) - Expecto-Pa-TRY-trum

• Best Free Agent: Chris Apoua (67) - Moana Pasifika. Now basically a guarantee to be in Andrew’s team once his AI algorithm gets a hold of this.

• Biggest Coaching Mistake: David Cargie leaving George Bridge (36) on the bench, choosing to start Tanielu Tele’a (20) instead.

The OG League Table After Round 12:

Blake (Ofa Tu'ungaFAST) remains 8 points clear at the top, but the hunt is on. Nelson (SAMISONIC) holds 2nd, but Cargie (Situti Down) is now just 4 points behind him in 3rd. Sean (Lam & Order) and Andrew (Expecto) are locked in a dogfight for the final playoff spots, while Nabung is officially in freefall. Wylie remains at the bottom but is now within striking distance of Harry in 7th.

Logged-in users can view the full OG League results and detailed breakdowns here.

What’s New on Draft Rugby?

Bug Fixes:

Nothing too exciting to show on the front end this week. We have had a range of small bug fixes that mean we should never see the issues we have had in the past with play errors in line-ups, or the incorrect snapshotting of the URC line-ups.

Written by Harrison Dale

Round 12 was a weekend defined by the resurgence of the "unowned." While the established stars in the Hurricanes and Blues backlines continue to trade blows at the top of the ladder, the real story for fantasy managers is the absolute dominance of the Western Force and Moana Pasifika workhorses. With the Casualty Ward claiming front row work horse Tom Lambert for the season and Taha Kemara icing a knee injury, the Trade Window is the only place to save your season. If you didn't have the work rate of Carlo Tizzano, or the insane point-per-minute production of Chris Apoua, you likely felt the sting of a head-to-head defeat this week.

Team of the Week

1: Chris Apoua – Prop, Moana Pasifika (67 pts)

Scoring 67 points in just 35 minutes of action is a statistical outlier that managers cannot ignore. Apoua delivered the ultimate high-impact shift, pairing a clinical try with 12 tackles and 3 tackle busts. In our scoring engine, this level of production from a reserve prop is absolute “cheat code” territory.

2: Mills Sanerivi – Hooker, Moana Pasifika (90 pts)

A truly monstrous performance from the Moana hooker. Along with a brace of tries, Sanerivi led the front row with a massive 21 tackles and 5 dominant carries. This is the “Tight Five Edge” personified. He outworked almost every back-rower in the competition this week to provide a massive scoring floor.

3: Harry Johnson-Holmes – Prop, Force (64 pts)

HJH justified his high draft capital with a relentless 47-minute shift. 11 tackles and 13 carries provided the volume, but his 36 ruck arrivals, the highest for a prop this round, showcased the elite work-rate that makes him a premier front-row anchor.

4: Seru Uru – Lock, Reds (85 pts)

Uru showed the form we were all waiting for in the preseason. Along with a try, he recorded 14 tackles, 6 lineout takes, and 7 dominant carries. His ability to contribute across every scoring category makes him a mandatory starter for any manager aiming for the playoffs.

5: Lachlan Shaw – Lock, Brumbies (77 pts)

Shaw was an engine room marvel, hitting 29 rucks and securing a try. Crucially for Draft managers, he registered 4 lineout steals, providing a secondary scoring stream that is irreplaceable in the second row. He is quickly becoming one of the most consistent high-floor locks in the league.

6: Carlo Tizzano – Back Row, Force (70 pts)

The quintessential “Tackle Machine” was at it again. Tizzano’s value comes from pure relentless involvement: 38 ruck arrivals and 15 carries (8 dominant). He is the ultimate head-to-head weapon who rewards managers through pure nuisance value and high-volume grit.

7: Fraser McReight – Back Row, Reds (63 pts)

McReight was a human wrecking ball in the trenches, hitting 30 rucks and making 21 tackles. His 3 turnovers won show he remains the premier breakdown predator in the competition, ensuring a safe ceiling regardless of the final score.

8: Rob Valetini – Back Row, Brumbies (57 pts)

“Bobby V” provided a clinic in carry volume, recording a staggering 22 carries with 12 of them being dominant. While he didn’t cross the paint, his ability to bend the line 14 times ensures a consistent scoring base that anchors any pack.

9: Cam Roigard – Scrumhalf, Hurricanes (67 pts)

Roigard remains a class above at 9 in The Draft. 83 passes and 2 line-break assists facilitated the Hurricanes’ attack, but it was his try and 256 kick metres that provided the gravy necessary to win your weekly matchup.

10: Ben Donaldson – Flyhalf, Force (72 pts)

Donaldson is gold as a dual-threat kicker and runner. 13 carries and 2 line breaks show he isn’t afraid to challenge the line, while his 10 points from the tee ensured he stayed relevant during the Force’s physical encounter.

11: Dylan Pietsch – Outside Back, Force (68 pts)

Returning to his best form, Pietsch was a nightmare for defenders, crossing the gain line 15 times and bagging a brace of tries. His 107 carry metres and 6 tackle busts confirm he is the primary strike-runner for a surging Force side.

12: Jordie Barrett – Centre, Hurricanes (59 pts)

The captain provided the stability the Canes needed in the midfield. 11 tackles (3 dominant) and 2 line breaks show a level of physical dominance that yields points even when he isn’t taking the goal kicks.

13: Leicester Fainga’anuku – Centre, Crusaders (55 pts)

Leicester delivered a high-work-rate shift, recording 12 tackles and 25 ruck arrivals. His ability to hit the line (13 carries) and cross for a try makes him one of the most reliable high-volume midfielders for the season run-in.

14: Mac Grealy – Outside Back, Force (64 pts)

Grealy was electric, recording 144 carry metres and 3 line breaks. His 17 total carries and 2 line-break assists show he is taking full advantage of the Force’s uptick in form.

15: Kade Banks – Outside Back, Blues (63 pts)

Banks took his chance with both hands this week. 5 dominant carries and a clinical try provided a safe floor, while his ability to beat defenders in space might just be enough to hold onto the jersey for a few more weeks.

Available in your league? (Hidden Gems)

Mac Grealy (Western Force - Outside Back): Grealy’s form has been improving as the season’s gone on. He has seemingly locked down the 15 jersey again despite a push from Max Burey. His Round 12 explosion for 144 run metres and 3 line breaks proves he is a high-volume strike-runner who must be claimed if he is a free agent.

Harry Johnson Holmes (Western Force - Prop): HJH always had high scoring potential if he got the game time. Seeing the in-form Misinale Epenisa limp off was disappointing to see, but HJH will be the clear beneficiary.

Seru Uru (Queensland Reds - Lock/Back Row): Uru remains the ultimate multi-positional cheat code. His 85-point haul featured elite lineout production (6 takes) and heavy carry dominance. With various Reds forwards moving in and out of the Casualty Ward, Uru’s versatility makes him a mandatory target for managers looking for long-term consistency.

Written by Harry Dale

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New Injuries Round 12:

Vaiolini Ekuasi (Force) - Pulled pregame to fly home for personal reasons. Returning in rd 13. Source.
Misinale Epenisa (Force) - Failed an HIA test after 32 mins, the same time as Robertson. Will go through concussion protocols.
Tom Robertson (Force) - Failed an HIA test after 32 mins, must have passed the follow-up test because he is fit for rd 13.
Charlie Gamble (Waratahs) - Came off after 45 minutes with what we assume is an injury, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Tom Lambert (Waratahs) - Came off with a knee injury. We can’t confirm the injury details yet, but it sounds like he won’t play again in Super Rugby this year.
Joey Walton (Waratahs) - Came off with a neck injury. Source.
Matt Philip (Waratahs) - Out of rd 13 with a short term calf injury. Source.
Jamie Adamson (Waratahs) - Out as of rd 13 with a cheekbone injury. We assume a fracture which would most likely cost him a few weeks. Source.
Ben Grant (Waratahs) - Out as of rd 13 with a concussion, so could return next week. Source.
Luke Reimer (Brumbies) - Knocked on. Will go through the concussion protocols, so won’t play for at least 12 days.
Aidan Ross (Reds) - Listed as injured in rd 12.
Frankie Goldsbrough (Reds) - Damaged his shoulder against NZ U20’s during rd 12. Source.

Braydon Ennor (Crusaders) - Pulled pregame. Has a hamstring injury and is expected back in 4 weeks (QF). Source.
Taha Kemara (Crusaders) - had an ice pack on the knee and was off at halftime. Expected back rd 14. Source.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Crusaders) - Out with a neck injury. Return date is TBC. Source.
Xavier Numia (Hurricanes) - Came off for what sounded like an HIA. It was late in the game, so there is no confirmation if he passed or failed.
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) - Announced before rd 13, out for 3-4 weeks due to a calf injury. Source.
Ruben Love (Hurricanes) - Has been ruled out for rd 13 with a short-term injury, expected back in one week. Source.
Jonathan Taumateine (Moana) - Pulled pregame with a calf injury. Source.
Ben Ake (Blues) - Came off late in the first half after getting his foot caught spinning in a tackle. The mechanism looked like a syndesmosis injury; he was also grabbing at his shin, which fits our suspicion.
Marcel Renata (Blues) - Will miss rd 13 with a chest injury or a concussion. Source, Source.
Josh Beehre (Blues) - Will miss rd 13 with a back injury. Source.
Ben Lopes (Hurricanes) - Out for rd 13 with a calf injury. Source.

Likely Back for Round 13:

Daniel Botha (Waratahs) - Suspended for two weeks for a high clear out in rd 11. If he goes through tackle school, he could play again this week. Source.
Harry Potter (Waratahs)- Copped a concussion playing club footy for Sydney Uni in rd 11, out for at least 12 days so he could return this week. Source.
Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies) - Pulled pregame Rd 11 after suffering a concussion. Was expected to miss rd 11 and 12 as he goes through normal protocols.
Tuaina Taii Tualima (Brumbies) - Out with a shoulder injury. Source.
Inia Tabuavou (Drua) - Came off with a concussion in rd 11, will go through the normal protocols to return to play, so could be back this week.

Ngane Punivai (Hurricanes) - His hamstring injury sustained before rd 5 has a return date of rd 11-12, and no longer listed as unavailable for rd 12, so he should be available. Source.
Kini Naholo (Hurricanes) - Was expected to return from his ACL Recon in rd 6. But suffered a foot injury. Playing club footy in rd 12. Source. Source.
Bailyn Sullivan (Hurricanes) - Suffered a leg injury before rd 9. Aiming to return rd 12-13. Source.
Hugo Plummer (Hurricanes) - Suffered a new ankle injury before rd 9. Aiming to return rd 13. Source.
Jai Tamati (Hurricanes) - Looks to have picked up an ankle injury after rd 2. Expected back rd 13. Source.
Taine Roiri (Hurricanes) - Has a hamstring injury. Was aiming for rd 10, now pushed back to Rd 14. Source.
Dalton Papali’i (Blues) - Came off in extra time rd 11 with a concussion. A minimum 12 days out would see him fit for this week. Source.
Laghlan McWhannell (Blues) - Missed rd 6 to 11 with a concussion. No longer listed as injured in rd 12, but he will now compete with plenty of depth to get a run. Source.
Sione Ahio (Chiefs) - Newly listed as having a quad injury in rd 9. Return date is rd 13. Source.
Benet Kumeroa (Chiefs) - Went down with a right ankle injury in rd 4. Aiming to return rd 12 but given it is their bye round, we think he is back rd 13. Source.
Reuben O’Neill (Chiefs) - Pulled pregame rd 10, we don’t know why. Source.
Luke Jacobson (Chiefs) - Ruled out of rd 11 with an undisclosed injury. Source.
Malachi Wrampling (Chiefs) - Ruled out of rd 11 with a hamstring injury. Source.
Patrick Pellegrini (Moana) - Suffered a category 1 concussion (clearly knocked out) in rd 11. He will undergo a minimum 12-day return-to-play period, so he may be fit this week.
Paula Latu (Moana) - Has a head knock. Was unavailable for rd 12, so might be fit for this week. Source.
Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) - Has his head knocked off in rd 10 after setting up a try for teammate Tele’a. Expected back rd 13-14. Source.
Sefo Kautai (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a knee injury. Return date is rd 13-14. Source.
Tai Cribb (Highlanders) - As of rd 12 he has a shoulder injury. Return date is rd 13-14. Source.

Returned in Round 12:

Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii (Waratahs) - Returned from his rd 4 hamstring tear.
Isikeli Rabitu (Drua) - Returned at fullback after knocking himself out in a tackle in rd 10.
Rhys Van Nek (Brumbies) - Suffered a thumb injury in rd 4. Started at tighthead this week.

Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes) - Came back via the bench after missing rd 11 with a concussion.
Jona Nareki (Highlanders) - Returned on the wing after missing rd 11 with an ankle injury.
Ethan Blackadder (Crusaders) - Made his comeback at blindside flank after missing rd 8 onwards with a calf injury.
Veikoso Poloniati (Moana) - Returned from his concussion in rd 10 via the bench.
Caleb Clarke (Blues) - Picked up a calf strain before rd 10, started on the wing against Moana this week.

Ongoing Injury List:

AUSTRALIA

Brumbies
Charlie Cale - Injured his shoulder in rd 9. In rd 10 they announced he would be out for 4-6 weeks (Rd 15-16). Source.

Reds
Tate McDermott - Suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery against the All Blacks in late September. Has had a few setbacks with his recovery, now aiming to return either in the finals or in the back end of the regular season. Source.
Nicholas Conway - Listed as injured in rd 4. Source.
Lachie Anderson - Suffered a serious wrist injury trying to tackle Tualima in rd 4. He went to the hospital and will be out for an extended period of time. Source. Interestingly, he isn’t listed as injured as of rd 12 but this could be an oversight because the Reds list isn’t always accurate.
Josh Canham - Right leg injury rd 4. His foot was planted and he twisted over it in a ruck. Needed to be assisted off by two people. We have heard it is actually a serious hamstring injury. Given he was spotted in a brace on the sideline, he may actually have a posterolateral corner (PLC) injury that can include the hamstring and some of the ligaments.
Carter Gordon - Injured his right knee in rd 9. Les Kiss said “It’s a minor knee injury around the cartilage”. He will miss a few weeks but is expected to be back before finals. Source.
Tom Lynagh - Still struggling with a calf injury. Tate McDermott said he wasn’t far away in rd 12, and was targeting a return before the end of the regular season like himself. Source.
Trevor King - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12. Source.
Kingsley Uys - Newly added to the Reds injury squad for rd 12, but he has been injured for at least 2 weeks. Source.

Waratahs
James Hendren - Has been unavailable from rd 6 due to a wrist injury, now back in full team training before rd 11, we hear he is due back roughly rd 14. Source. Listed as having a hamstring injury before rd 13. Source.

Western Force
Doug Philipson - Missed the preseason with a knee injury. Listed as a short term injury as of rd 12. Source.
Alex Harford - Left the field in the trial against the Reds on Jan 23rd, holding his arm or shoulder in his jersey. Listed as a medium-term injury in rd 12. Source.
Ronan Leahy - Missing rd 9 with a knee injury. As of rd 12 listed as a short term injury. Source.

NEW ZEALAND

Blues
Corey Evans - Missing rd 1 to 11 with an ankle injury. No confirmation on a return date. Source.
Jordan Lay - Missed rd 1 to 11 with a concussion. No return date set yet. Source.
Josh Fusitu’a - Injured his elbow in rd 2. We now know he has had an operation on his bicep, so we assume he ruptured it. They say he is targeting to play this season, but recovery should take at least 4 months (roughly June). Source.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi - Came off for an HIA in rd 9. Didn’t play rd 11 because he was still nursing a calf injury. Source.
Taufa Funaki - Came off the field with a shoulder injury late in the game in rd 11. Source.

Chiefs
Daniel Rona - Injured in his hamstring in rd 6, return date set for rd 14. Source.
Etene Nanai-Seturo - Missed rd 8 with a foot injury. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Emoni Narawa - Came off at halftime in rd 8 with a foot injury. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Brodie McAlister - Off after 26 minutes with a calf injury in rd 11. Aiming to return rd 14. Source.
Leroy Carter - Came off with a hamstring injury in rd 11. Aiming to return for the quater finals. Source.
Kaylum Boshier - Pulled pregame rd 10 with a concussion. A normal return would have him back rd 14. Source.
Samipeni Finau - Pulled pregame rd 10 with a quad injury. Expected back rd 14-15. Source.
Jahrome Brown - Suffered a concussion in rd 11. Might return Rd 14 as he goes through the return to play (RTP) protocols. Source.

Crusaders
Scott Barrett - Still finalising his return date from the sabbatical, but his intention is to return sometime in May. Source. Training with the squad before rd 11, expected back in the next few weeks. Source.
Liam Jack - Out with a hamstring injury. Aiming to return in rd 12. Source.
Cullen Grace - “Busted” his patella in August for Canterbury. Aiming to return Rd 15. Source.
Aki Tuivailala - Concussed in rd 4. Return date TBC. Source.
Will Jordan - Missed rd 9 with calf muscle stiffness. Retore it, trying to return and is now expected back rd 14. Source.
Chay Fihaki - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a hamstring injury. Return date brought forward to rd 15. Source.
Will Tucker - Ruled out pregame rd 10 with a concussion. Return date is rd 14. Source.
Sevu Reece - Pulled pregame due to illness in rd 11. Sounds like he might miss a few weeks. Source.
Finlay Brewis - Newly listed as having a calf injury in rd 11. Expected back rd 15-QF. Source.

Highlanders
Jake Te Hiwi - Returning from surgery, back on the field again but still a little way off by the sounds of it on Feb 3rd. Source.
Finn Hurley - Suffered a hamstring injury in his first game of the season in rd 10. Expected back rd 16-SF. Source.
Josh Bartlett - As of rd 12 he has a foot injury. Return date is TBC. Source.

Hurricanes
Tom Allen - Was expected back from a leg injury for rd 2, but still down as injured. Source.
Tyrel Lomax - Returned from an ankle injury only to be pulled with a new ankle injury before rd 7. Aiming to return rd 16. Source.
Josh Timu - Has an ankle injury as of rd 9. Return date is set at rd 15. Source.
Riley Higgins - Has a shoulder injury since before rd 12. His return date is TBC. Source.

PASIFIKA TEAMS

Fijian Drua
Meli Derenalagi - Expected to miss the bulk of the season due to a 2nd ACL injury he suffered in April 2025. He could return at 9 months (late Jan), but it is more likely he is closer to 12 months, given it is his 2nd ACL injury. Source.
Meli Tuni - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a knee injury. Source.
Aisea Nawai - Listed as out as of rd 2 with a leg injury. Source.
Kavaia Tagivetaua - Listed as having an ankle injury as of rd 5. Source.
Isikeli Basiyalo - Came off in rd 10 straight after a dash down the sideline. He had his hammy taped up so we are assuming it is a hamstring muscle tear. He jogged off comfortably, but limped when walking which fits this diagnosis as well.
Samu Tawake - Off after 34 minutes in rd 10. No clarity as to what he injured yet.
Motikiai Murray - Now listed as having an arm injury before rd 12. Source.
Iosefo Namoce - Pulled pregame rd 9. Not sure why.

Moana Pasifika
Tupou Afungia - Recovered from a neck injury, but suffered a concussion in rd 3. Now listed as a neck injury again in rd 6. Source.
Lolani Faleiva - Has a shoulder injury. No return date announced. Source.
Julian Savea - Came off in rd 6 with a nasty-looking shoulder injury. We suspect he has dislocated it, so he will be out for some time. Source.
Tito Tuipulotu - Missing rd 7 with a thumb injury. Source.
Monu Moli - Has a new foot injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Ngani Laumape - Has a new knee injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Tevita Ofa - Has a new finger injury as of rd 9. No further details yet. Source.
Niko Jones - Limped off the field in rd 9 with a calf injury. Source.
Melani Matavao - Hurt his left knee shooting out of the line in defence in rd 10. We haven’t heard any more info yet. Source.
Lalomilo Lalomilo - Came off with what looked like quite a bad calf injury. Initially, he reacted like he had ruptured his Achilles, but he was eventually able to slowly walk off the pitch. Source.

Gone for the season:

Dan Nelson (Brumbies) - Fractured his fibula in his lower leg before d 5. Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Source.
Kye Oates (Brumbies) - Fracture dislocation of his ankle before rd 8. He has already had an operation. They said he is aiming to be back in 12 weeks (so won’t play again this season), but I think this is probably being hopeful. Source.
Ponipate Loganimasi (Drua) - Commentary said that Loganimasi came off with a dislocated wrist in rd 7. He has now been ruled out for the season with an arm injury, so we believe this is the reason. Source.
Epeli Momo (Drua) - Ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury before rd 8. Source.
Darby Lancaster (Force) - Came down from taking a highball very awkwardly on his ankle in rd 8. The alarm bells rang after he said his “career” was over in a rd 10 interview; this has now been confirmed to be a mistake; he will just miss the rest of Super Rugby 2026. Source.

Dylan Pledger (Highlanders) - Ruled out of all rugby for the year following a training ground accident that resulted in a complete rupture of his ACL in January. Source.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders) - Now confirmed he dislocated his right shoulder while trying to pilfer during a ruck on the 6th of Feb. Confirmed he will be out for the full Super Rugby season with an aim to return in the July international window. Source.
Josh Tengblad (Highlanders) - Suffered an ACL injury in rd 5. Out for the season. Source.
Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders) - Sustained an ankle fracture in rd 10, requiring surgery and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 Super Rugby Season. Source.
Harry Godfrey (Hurricanes) - Expected to miss the 2026 Super Rugby season due to an ACL injury. Source.
Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) - Stretchered off with a right knee injury. They haven’t told us what the injury is, but it was confirmed during rd 3 that he is having surgery and is out for the season. Source.
Cam Christie (Blues) - Hobbled off with a knee ligament injury in the Jan 30th trial. Now confirmed, he is out for the season. Source.
James White (Crusaders) - Suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Source.
Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders) - Ruled out after rd 7 for the year with an infection of a disc in his back (Discitis). He will make a full recovery, but won’t play until at least the first international window. Source.
Jayden Sa (Chiefs) - Suffered a new shoulder injury in rd 5. Confirmed he is out for the season. Source.

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Written by your local rugby nerd, Harrison Dale.