The New Zealand Conference Preview 2026
Everything you need to know about the Five Kiwi sides and Moana Pasifika
In this blog, we look through each of the five Kiwi teams and Moana Pasifika to highlight all the must-know facts! You can also check out our Draft Rugby Show on YouTube or podcast, where we will delve a bit deeper into the ins and outs of each team.
You can watch the Draft Rugby Show on youtube previewing the Moana Pasifika and the Kiwi HERE.
In the meantime, check out our New Hot Shit podcast discussion on all the gun young players coming into Super Rugby HERE. Or if you like your bite-sized videos, you can watch each team individually HERE.
Blues
Full squad:
Prop: Ben Ake, Flyn Yates, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Hooker: Bradley Slater, James Mullan, Kurt Eklund
Locks: Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry
Loose Forward: Anton Segner, Cameron Christie, Che Clark, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Malachi Wrampling, Terrel Peita, Tristan Cook
Halfback: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First fives Beauden Barrett, Rico Simpson, Stephen Perofeta, Zarn Sullivan
Midfield: Corey Evans, James Cameron, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele
Outside backs: AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Cody Vai, Cole Forbes, Kade Banks, Payton Spencer
New Faces:
Pita Ahki (Toulouse), Bradley Slater (Chiefs), Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Chiefs), Terrell Peita (Northland), Flyn Yates (Academy- Manawatu), Kade Banks (Hurricanes), Rico Simpson (Academy), James Cameron (Academy), Cody Vai (NZ 7s)
Losses:
Rieko Ioane (Leinster), Ricky Riccitelli (Montpellier), Angus Ta’avao (Highlanders), Harry Plummer (Clermont), Adrian Chaot (Secom Rugguts), Mark Tele’a (Japan)
Best 15:
Joshua Fusitu’a, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata,
Josh Beehre, Sam Darry,
Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu,
Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett,
Pita Ahki, AJ Lam
Caleb Clarke, Cole Forbes, Stephen Perofeta
Stocks are rising:
Bradley Slater - He has traded spots in the squad with Riccitelli. After an outstanding year for the Chiefs last season, he may just grab the starting jersey.
Josh Beehre/ Laghlan McWhannell - Either could fill the hole left by Tuipulotu’s injury. Beehre in particular scored fantastically well in fantasy footy when starting.
Anton Segner - We thought 2024 was his time, but now with Choat moving on, there is a clear chance for him to make the six jersey his own.
Stocks are falling:
Joshua Fusitu’a - Even though he was the Blues player of the year, a fit again Ofa will surely take minutes off of him.
Smokie:
Cody Vai - An electric outside back that has come across from NZ 7s. There is a space left open from Telea moving on. Could he take the jersey?
Payton Spencer - The Prince that was promised! The son of King Carlos has had a year in the system and another year in the NPC. We wonder whether they might start blooding the prodigious talent this year.
Che Clark/ Malachi Wrampling - Either young all-star could take play in the six or eight jersey this year. Both have huge pedigree, it just depends how Hoskins is used in his last season with the club.
Chiefs
Full squad:
Props: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jarred Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio
Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Aisake Vakasuiola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Taine Kolose, Tupou Vaa’i
Loose Forward: Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi
Halfback: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe
First fives: Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb
Midfield: Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea, Tepaea Cook-Savage
Outside backs: Emoni Narawa, Etene Nainai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
New Faces:
Taine Kolose (Academy), Tyrone Thompson (Newcastle Knights), Benet Kumeroa (Academy - BOP), Jayden Sa (Taranaki), Aisake Vakasiuola (BOP), Lalakai Foketi (Waratahs), Kyren Taumoefolau (Moana Pasifika), Kyle Brown (Utah), Isaac Hutchinson, Tepaea Cook-Savage (Waikato)
Losses:
Bradley Slater (Blues), Aidan Ross (Reds), Manaaki Selvy-Ricket (Japan), Jimmy Tupou (Moana), Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Blues), Shaun Stevenson (Kubota Spears), Kaleb Trask (Sungoliath), Anton Lienert-Brown (Sabbatical), Rameka Poihipi (Blackrams), Gideon Wrampling (Tokyo Sungoliath), Manasa Mataele (Fijian Drua)
Best 15:
Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer,
Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i,
Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Wallace Sititi,
Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie,
Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona,
Leroy Carter, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa
Stocks are rising:
Ollie Norris - 2025 saw a big uptick in form both in the real and fantasy world, but still he was sharing time with Aidan Ross. This season, he should have the Loosehead jersey all to himself so we are expecting big things!
Josh Jacomb - We don’t know how, but after an excellent year last year at the Chiefs and an incredible NPC, earning him the player of the tournament, they’ll have to find a way to get him more involved this year.
Daniel Rona - ALB, Poihipi and Wrampling have all left. Rona has been a gun whenever given an opportunity. If he can hold off Foketi he could have a great year.
Stocks are falling:
Samipeni Finau - Simon Parker is now an All Black, and Boshier continues to improve. We think Finau will still get plenty of game time, but he may be past his peak. We would love him to prove us wrong.
Etene Nanai-Seturo - This season there is some serious competition from Taumoefolau & Jacomb. Nanai-Seturo is our pick for the man to lose out the most from the established back three.
Smokie:
Tepaea Cook-Savage - The 24-year-old has played for the NZ 7’s side since 2022. Adept at playing both Fly Half and Full back, if the opportunity arises, he might just have the dynamism and maturity to take it with both hands.
Crusaders
Full squad:
Props: Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Tamaiti Williams
Hooker: Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumaua Letiu
Locks: Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Liam Jack, Scott Barrett, Tahlor Cahill, Will Tucker
Loose Forward: Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi
Halfback: Kyle Preston, Louie Chapman, Noah Hotham
First Five: James White, Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara
Midfield: Aki Tuivailala, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Toby Bell
Outside backs: Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicoll, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
New Faces:
Manumaua Letiu (Academy), Liam Jack (Academy), Will Tucker (Japan), Louie Chapman (Academy), James White (Academy), Toby Bell (Academy), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Toulon), Maloni Kunawave (Academy- Tasman Mako)
Losses:
Ioane Moananu (Waratahs), Matt Moulds (Northland), Sam Matenga (Tasman), Quinten Strange (Urayasu D-Rocks), Tom Christie (Newcastle Red Bulls), Fletcher Anderson (Scarlets), Mitch Drummond (Retired), James O’Connor (Leicester Tigers), Levi Aumua (Yokohama Canon Eagles)
Best 15:
Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell,
Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah
Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie,
Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana,
David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku,
Macca Springer, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Stocks are rising:
Taha Kemara - James O’Connor has moved on so we expect him to get more consistent game time, at least off the bench. Should push Reihana for the starting jersey once again even though he wouldn’t be the favourite.
Jamie Hannah - Showed his immense talent with every opportunity in 2024 and 2025. Now Barrett is out for the bulk of the season, and Strange has moved on. It should be a big season for him.
Stocks are falling:
All the OBKs that is not Will Jordan/Sevu Reece if Fainga’anuku plays wing.
Dallas McLeod - Ennor is back in form. Leicester Fainga’anuku can cover centre if he is on the wing. It might be hard for him to get much bench time considering the logjam of Outside Backs.
Smokies:
Xavier Saifoloi - The big number 8 has big potential. We may see him starting to get game time in the 6, 8 or bench jerseys.
James White - Played multiple games at 10 for Christchurch this year. Neither Kemara or Reihana are completely established in the 10 jersey, so there might be just a slight opening for him to show his wares.
Aki Tuivailala - The 21-year-old would need some cards to fall his way, but he is an outside chance to play centre.
Highlanders
Full squad:
Props: Angus Ta’avao, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ethan de Groot, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Sosefo Kautai
Hookers: Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena
Locks: Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Tai Cribb, Tomas Lavanini, Will Stodart
Loose Forward: Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa
Halfbacks: Adam Lennox, Dylan Pledger, Folau Fakatava
First five: Andrew Knewstubb, Cameron Millar, Taine Robinson
Midfield: Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside Backs: Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Josh Whaanga, Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-Harris
New Faces:
Angus Ta’avao (Blues), Tomás Lavanini (Lyon), Lucas Casey (Otago), Dylan Pledger (promoted), Adam Lennox (promoted), Reesjan Pasitoa (Force), Andrew Knewstubb (Nz 7s & Christchurch), Xavier Tito-Harris (NZ U20s & NZ 7s), Stanley Solomon (NZ U20s)
Losses:
Rohan Wingham (Otago), Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Billy Harmon (Japan), Pari Pari Parkinson (NEC Green Rockets), Nathan Hastie (Force), James Arscott (Auckland), Ajay Faleafaga (Japan), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Toyota Industries Shuttles), Taniela Filimone (Manawatu Winger), Sam Gilbert (Connacht), Michael Manson (NZ 7s)
Best 15:
Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Angus Ta’avao
Fabian Holland, Tomas Lavanini,
TK Howden, Sean Withy, Hugh Renton,
Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar
Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a
Jona Nareki, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Stocks are rising:
Tomas Lavanini - The low-hanging fruit of this segment. The Argentinian international is sure to make waves.
Veveni Lasaqa - Had a big 2025 after Hugh Renton missed the bulk of the season with a groin injury. Really established himself as the openside flanker, the only question is how Joseph wants to build out his backrow with all players healthy.
Cameron Millar - The Bunnings NPC top point scorer needs a big season to get ahead of Josh Jacomb’s impending arrival in 2027.
Adam Lennox - The 2022 NZ U20s player was injury cover at the Landers in 2025. With Pledger injured and Hastie gone to the Force, he should get plenty of game time.
Stocks are falling:
Mitch Dunshea - Lavanini’s has to take time off someone; Dunshea should be the unlucky one.
Saula Ma’u - Using the same logic, the 2025 first choice tight head now has some serious competition from Angus Ta’avao.
Smokie:
Andrew Knewstubb - Canterbury’s first choice 10, he was an absolute gun for NZ 7s. Could we see him in the 10 or 15 jersey?
Stanley Solomon/Xavier Tito-Harris -Both are U20s Outside backs, but Xavier has played NZ 7s as well. They are dynamic and dangerous players if given space and some game time.
Hurricanes
Full squad:
Prop: Pasilio Tosi, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia
Hooker: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason
Locks: Caleb Delany, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tom Allen, Warner Dearns
Loose Forwards: Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Ere Enari, Jordi Viljeon
First Fives: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Harry Godfrey, Callum Harkin
Midfield: Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett, Josh Timu, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside Backs: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
New Faces:
Jordie Barrett (Leinster), Warner Dearns (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Vernon Bason (Academy), Tom Allen (Academy), Josh Moorby (Montpellier), Josh Timu (Highlanders)
Losses:
Nic Souchon (Southland), Zach Gallagher (Toyota Verblitz), Will Tucker (Crusaders), Josh Taula, Riley Hohepa (Rockets Tokatsu), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Kintetsu Liners), Tjay Clarke (Brave Lupus), Daniel Sinkinson (Waikato), Kade Banks (Blues)
Best 15:
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax,
Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns
Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai,
Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron,
Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor,
Kini Naholo, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Stocks are rising:
Warner Dearns - Wellington born but moved to Japan aged 14. He debuted for Japan aged 19 and is now seen as one of the premier locks in World Rugby. Open the popcorn and enjoy the show!
Devan Flanders - Brad Shields is another year older and Flanders played in the All Blacks XV side last year. We think the transition between the two will take a big step forward this year.
Ruben Love - Both Cameron and Love won’t be injured this year; the dual playmakers should mean Love has everything at his disposal to score big.
Stocks are falling:
Riley Higgins/Bailyn Sullivan - Jordie Barrett is back to take a centre jersey, Billy Proctor is the ironed on ABs outside centre. With Moorby back as well we just can’t see how they get much game time without injuries going there way.
Ngatungane Punivai - With Moorby back we expect Sullivan to get his game time on the wing as well. More competition means less game time for Ngani.
Smokie:
Jone Rova - He is an outside centre with a damaging attacking game. New club, new opportunities?
Arese Poliko - A couple of seasons ago he was pushing Peter Lakai, can’t wait to see if he can develop if he gets his shot.
Vernon Basson - This young gun, pushed Tuputupu for game time in the NPC.
Siale Lauaki - All Blacks XV last year. Going to have a big step forward again this year.
Riley Higgins - He might struggle to get game time, but if he does he scores big in fantasy. His four matches last year was 34, 40, 44, and 29pts!
Moana Pasifika
Full Squad
Props: Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tito Tuipulotu
Hooker: Mamoru Harada, Millennium Sanerivi, Samieula Moli
Locks: Alefosio Aho, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Ofa Tauatevalu, Tom Savage
Loose Forwards: Dominic Ropeti, Miracle Faiilagi, Niko Jones, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Tupou Afungia
Halfbacks: Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Taumateine, Melani Matavao, Siaosi Nginingini
First Five: Faletoi Peni, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfield: Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu
Outside Backs: Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili
New Faces:
Mamoru Harada (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Malakai Hala-Ngatai (New England), Paula Latu (Southland), Jimmy Tupou (Chiefs), Alefosio Aho (Waratahs), Tupou Ma’afu-Afungia (Noala USA), Dominic Ropeti (Wellington), Tupou Afungia, Siaosi Nginingini, Augustine Pulu (Hino Red Dolphins), Ngani Laumape (Kobe Steelers), Tevita Latu (Canterbury), Faletoi Peni (Southland), Glen Vaihu (Maruwa Momotaro), Tuna Tuitama (Samoa 7s and 15s), Israel Leota (Brisbane Broncos)
Losses:
Tomasi Maka (Crusaders Development Squad), Sama Malolo, James Lay (Retired), Sione Mafileo (Montauvan), Pone Fa’amausili (Soyaux-Angouleme), Connor Seve (Kamaishi), Samuel Slade (Sayama Rugguts), Michael Curry, Ardie Savea (Sabbatical), Sione Havili Talitui, Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manuka), Irie Papuni, Lotu Inisi, Ere Enari (Hurricanes), Aisea Halo, Fine Inisi (Dragons), Danny Toala, Pepesana Patafilo, Neria Fomai (Hawke’s Bay), Losi Filipo, Kyren Taumoefolau (Chiefs)
Best 15:
Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou,
Tom Savage, Jimmy Tupou,
Miracle Faiilagi, Tupou Afungia, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa,
Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini,
Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea,
Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili
Stocks are rising:
Tupou Ma’afu-Afungia - We could see the damaging Tongan backrower making the 7 Jersey his own this year.
Ngani Laumape - Last year Ardie Savea almost dragged his team to a finals appearance. This year Ngani will need to do the same. How good is it to have him back!
Tevita Ofa - Has a great opportunity to start consistently without Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo or Fine Inisi.
Miracle Faiilagi - Seemed a bigger, faster, player from the beginning of last season. Now the captain, he should play huge minutes and score very well.
Stocks are falling:
Taumateine & Matavao - Will have to share time with the ageless Augustine Pulu.
Jackson Garden-Bachop - Pelligrini was a breakout start last year. This season we expect Garden-Bachop to well and truly play second fiddle.
Smokie:
Faletoi Peni - Taken every opportunity he has been given for his club in Auckland and then for Southland. Given an opportunity, I think we are going to see him give everything for the side.
Tuna Tuitama - The 25 year old pocket rocket has already played for Samoa’s 7s and 15s side. We can’t wait to see what he can do at this level.
Israel Leota & Glen Vaihu - We suspect they will be battling it out for one of the wing Jerseys. Vaihu has the experience but has been of grid for a few seasons. Leota has the body shape and big wraps. Both could be worth a late punt in fantasy.
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Written by your local rugby nerd Harrison Dale.