After yet another offseason filled with drama, including the official demise of Moana Pasifika and the uncertain future of the tournament in New Zealand, Super Rugby Pacific enters 2027 under a dark cloud.
But with a Rugby World Cup in Australia at the end of the year, the 2027 SRP season is set to be one of the most important in its six-year history.
Ten teams from across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji will once again face off to determine the best provincial rugby team in the Pacific. New Zealand's Hurricanes enter 2027 as title holders and will aim to claim the trophy for a second straight season, while plenty of player movement across the teams as well as several new coaching appointments could spring some surprises through the season.
Meanwhile, a reduction to 10 teams has also seen a change to the playoff format. While the top six format is retained, the teams that finish first and second will progress straight to the semifinals and teams three through six will contest sudden-death elimination finals.
Season 2027 kicks off on February 12 playing across 16 regular season rounds with a midseason break for the inaugural Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test, before the finals begin on June 11 culminating with the grand final on June 26.
Read on for every Super Rugby Pacific squad for 2027.
ACT Brumbies
Coach: Stephen Larkham
Forwards: Blake Schoupp, Lington Ieli, James Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa, Rhys van Nek, Tevita Alatini, Darcy Breen, Billy Pollard, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Bowron, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson, Aiden Stait, Lachie Shaw, Harvey Cordukes, Rob Valetini, Leafi Talataina, Rory Scott, TJ Talaileva, Charlie Cale, Eli Langi
Backs: Ryan Lonergan, Klayton Thorn, Dan Nelson, Declan Meredith, Tane Edmed, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Jarrah McLeod, Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Triston Reilly, Ollie Sapsford, Kye Oates
Analysis: Len Ikitau's return from a one-season sabbatical at Exeter headlines the Brumbies squad for 2027, while Triston Reilly is a handy pick-up from the Waratahs. Keep an eye out for Australia under 20s graduate Eli Langi, too, the back-rower has been a long time in Australian rugby's junior pathways and while next year's World Cup will be too soon to see him in gold, he is the perfect age profile for the 2031 tournament in the United States. Declan Meredith should return to Canberra a more confident player after his Wallabies exposure, while Blake Schoupp will be desperate for an injury-free run after several spoiled seasons.
Blues
Coach: Jason Holland
Forwards: Ben Ake, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Mason Tupaea, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Flyn Yates, James Mullan, Eli Oudenryn, Bradley Slater, Josh Beehre, Tristyn Cook, Sam Darry, Jack Lee, Patrick Tuipulotu, Torian Barnes, Cam Christie, Che Clark, Jed Melvin, Ardie Savea, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling
Backs: Finlay Christie, Taufa Funaki, Nic Shearer, Beauden Barrett, Cam Millar, Rico Simpson, Pita Ahki, James Cameron, Leo Gordon, Rieko Ioane, Zarn Sullivan, Xavi Taele Outside backs: Kade Banks, Caleb Clarke, Darby Lancaster, Payton Spencer, Rory Taylor, Cody Vai
Analysis: No secrets here, with two huge additions set to catapult the Blues right back into title contention in 2027. Ardie Savea will represent his third Super franchise next year after moving across town from Moana Pasifika, via a season with Japan, while Rieko Ioane is also back in Auckland following his sabbatical at Leinster. Darby Lancaster will strengthen the outside backs. One place where the Blues look short is No. 10; Beauden Barrett may be set for a permanent move back into fly-half, while Cam Millar is a solid if unspectacular recruit from the Highlanders.
Chiefs
Coach: Jono Gibbes
Forwards: George Dyer, Paula Latu, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tevita Mafileo, Ollie Norris, Jared Proffit, Taine Kolose, Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tyrone Thompson, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jai Knight, Josh Lord, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Tupou Vaa'i, Aisake Vakasiuola, Kaylum Boshier, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson, Corey Kellow, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Richard Judd, Cortez Ratima, Charlie Sinton, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Taha Kemara, Damian McKenzie, Kyle Brown, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Isaac Hutchinson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Sinkinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Frank Vaenuku
Analysis: Humbled in the 2026 final by the Hurricanes, the Chiefs will again be among the teams to beat next season. They have retained a large chunk of the squad that took them to within one win of the trophy, and added talented Crusaders pivot Teha Kemara as a backup for Damian McKenzie following the departure of Josh Jacomb. Anton Lienert-Brown returns from his Japanese sabbatical to play alongside his older brother Daniel, who has joined the franchise from the Highlanders.
Crusaders
Coach: Scott Hansen
Forwards: Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Seb Calder, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Clement Castets, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Manumau Letiu, Liam Jack, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Xavier Saifoloi, Ethan Blackadder, Dom Gardiner, Xavier Treacy, Christian Lio-Willie, Finn McLeod, Oli Mathis, Johnny Lee
Backs: Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond, Rivez Reihana, James White, Richie Mo'unga, Jake Te Hiwi, Corey Evans, Toby Bell, Cooper Roberts, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Johnny McNicholl, Kurtis MacDonald, Macca Springer, Maloni Kunawave, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Analysis: It's a new era in Christchurch with Scott Hansen taking over from Rob Penney. Hansen will be excited by the season ahead with Tamaiti Williams and Scott Barrett both onboard following their injury-ruined 2026 seasons. But it is the return of arguably Super Rugby's greatest player, Richie Mo'unga, to which all eyes will be trained. Mo'unga is signed only for one season as he looks to push his hopes of reclaiming the All Blacks No. 10 jersey before the World Cup. Meanwhile, Liam Jack, the nephew of former Crusaders lock Chris, joins the squad from the New Zealand under 20s and Leicester Fainga'anuku has been named in the backs, though he is every chance to see further time in the back-row after some stunning performances in 2026.
Fijian Drua
Coach: Brad Mooar
Forwards: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Harold Rounds, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Mesake Doge, Mesulame Dolokoto, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Sairusi Ravudi, Leone Nakarawa, Meli Derenalagi, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Isi Naisarani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Josefa Namosimalua
Backs: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Philip Baselala, Ben Volavola, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Iosefo Namoce, Epeli Momo, Taniela Rakuro, Joji Nasova, Manasa Mataele Isikeli Rabitu, Isikeli Basiyalo,Nacani Boginisoko
Analysis: Three veterans stand out among first-year coach Brad Mooar's nine offseason signings, all of whom have Test experience. At lock, Leone Nakarawa returns home following a stellar career in Europe, while Isi Naisarani and Ben Volavola arrive from Australia. Naisarani, a World Cup Wallaby under Michael Cheika in 2019, was the target of Australian interest after a fine season for Randwick, but he has instead shifted to the Drua. Volavola meanwhile joins his fourth Super Rugby club after switching from the Reds, where he saw limited time. The Drua will miss scrum-half Simione Kurovoli and forwards Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa, who have all taken up opportunities overseas.
Highlanders
Coach: Jamie Joseph
Forwards: Henry Bell, Ioane Moananu, Jack Taylor, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Tomas Lavanini, Josh Tengblad, Nikora Broughton, Lucas Casey, Shannon Frizell, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Joseva Tamani, Will Stodart, Sean Withy
Backs: Folau Fakatava, Adam Lennox, Dylan Pledger, Josh Jacomb, Mika Muliaina, Patrick Pellegrini, Meihana Grindlay, Reesjan Pasitoa, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Josh Whaanga, Finn Hurley, Jona Nareki, Stanley Solomon, Caleb Tangitau, Tuna Tuitama, Xavier Titi-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Analysis: The battlers from the deep south of New Zealand have done well this offseason, picking up a couple of talented playmakers and welcoming back All Blacks back-rower Shannon Frizell. Josh Jacomb and Patrick Pellegrini will fight out the fly-half role, while Ioane Moananu is a handy pick-up at hooker from the Waratahs. The Highlanders will also be excited about the return of Fabian Holland after the lock missed the entire 2026 season with injury, and Mika Muliaina is a player to keep an eye on as the nephew of All Blacks great Mils. If the Highlanders get lucky with injury, they might just have enough talent to compete for a finals spot; but they still appear the poor cousin of their New Zealand rivals.
Hurricanes
Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Forwards: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Tito Tuipulotu, Rohan Wingham, Asafo Aumua, Vernon Bason, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu, Alefosio Aho, Caleb Delany, Dylan Eti, Hunter Morrison, Hugo Plummer, Oliver Haig, Brayden Iose, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Arese Poliko, Brad Shields, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa
Backs: Bryn Hall, Cam Roigard, Jordi Viljoen, Brett Cameron, Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Tāmiro Armstrong, Jordie Barrett, Heremaia Murray, Billy Proctor, Jone Rova, Josh Gray, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngane Punivai
Analysis: The defending champions will take some beating once more in 2027, though they have lost one of their biggest weapons from 2026 in lock Warner Dearns, who has returned to Japan. There is further turnover in the second row with Isaiah Walker-Leawere having also moved on, while Ngani Punivai's Achilles injury was a late setback ahead of the squad announcement. The Canes' big offseason recruit is outstanding Moana Pasifika back-rower Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, who is part of the All Blacks' spring tour squad, while title-winning Crusaders scrum-half Bryn Hall offsets the loss of the experienced Ereatari Enari.
NSW Waratahs
Coach: Michael Cheika
Forwards: Jack Barrett, Angus Bell, Dan Botha, George Francis, Isaac Kailea, Sefo Kautai, Edwin Langi, Apolosi Ranawai, Ethan Dobbins, Folau Fainga'a, Eamon Doyle, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Veikoso Poloniati, Isaac Fonua, Clem Halaholo, Marshall Le Maitre, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Angus Scott-Young
Backs: Max Burey, Angus Crichton, Bernard Foley, Joey Fowler, Jake Gordon, Angus Grover, Sid Harvey, James Hendren, Max Jorgensen, Henry O'Donnell, Nick Phipps, George Poolman, Harry Potter, Otto Serfontein, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Teddy Wilson
Analysis: The Waratahs have gone back to the future for 2027, with Michael Cheika returning as coach and veteran halves Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley along for the ride. They have also dipped further into the NRL ranks with Angus Crichton switching codes, while they have further strengthen their midfield -- and area of weakness in 2026 -- with the addition or Shute Shield graduate Otto Serfontein. Marshall Le Maitre is another recruit from the Sydney club season who will fight out the No. 7 jersey with Luke Reimer, while prop Edwin Langi arrives with big raps following his underage efforts with Australia's under 20s program. The Waratahs also welcome back Angus Bell from his sabbatical with Ulster. It is said every year, but this really is a squad that should compete for the finals. Perhaps Cheika can bring it all together?
Queensland Reds
Coach: Vern Cotter
Forwards: Matt Faessler, Josh Nasser, Zac Hough, Aidan Ross, George Blake, Tom Lambert, Kingsley Uys, Zane Nonggorr, Massimo De Lutiis, Trevor King, Nick Bloomfield, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Will Ross, Cadeyrn Neville, Charlie Brosnan, Joe Brial, Vaiuta Latu, Tom Robinson, John Bryant, Fraser McReight, Toby Brial, Lachie Hooper, Harry Wilson
Backs: Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas, James Martens, Carter Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Finn Mackay, Isaac Henry, Dre Pakeho, Izaia Perese, Xavier Rubens, Taione Taka, Lachie Anderson, Tim Ryan, Nicholas Conway, Treyvon Pritchard, Filipo Daugunu, Coby Miln
Analysis: Vern Cotter switches from the Blues to the Reds, where he will look to add some physicality and mental toughness to a Reds squad that showed flashes of brilliance under Les Kiss, but ultimately lacked the set-piece quality to compete when it mattered. Cotter will have plenty of established, and new, blood to work with, with much of the latter coming through the Reds academy. Outstanding prop Kingsley Uys is a Wallaby of the future, while Nicholas Conway and Taione Taka join a backline that had already seen Finn Mackay graduate to the top squad. Izaia Perese's return to Queensland offsets the loss of Hunter Paisami while Treyvon Pritchard will likely switch from the wing to fullback following Jock Campbell's departure. Toby Brial has meanwhile made it a family affair in the back-row, joining brother Joe at Ballymore after defecting from the Waratahs.
Western Force
Coach: Simon Cron
Forwards: Misinale Epenisa, Sef Fa'agase, Reuben O'Neill, Marley Pearce, Tom Robertson, Joshua Smith, Nic Dolly, Leonel Oviedo, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Lopeti Faifua, Jeremy Williams, Netani Baleisomosomo, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jack Daly, Aden Ekanayake, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano
Backs: Luke Aiken, Nathan Hastie, Agustin Moyano, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Alex Harford, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Boston Fakafanua, Divad Palu, Hamish Stewart, Wallace Charlie, Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch, James Ramm, Taj Annan, Zac Lomax, James O'Connor
Train & Trial: Albert Alcock, Tama Anderson, Kurtley Beale*, Gus Farnan, Harrison Goddard*, Kenny Harris, Zak Healey, Bradley Kuhn, Ronan Leahy, Max Sawers [*season long]
Analysis: The Force will be looking to build on their strong finish to season 2026, though they look a little light on at lock following the exit of Darcy Swain. Netani Baleisomosomo is a handy addition at No. 8, while Aussie sevens star Aden Ekanayake will add pace to the pack, so too his former national teammate in the backs Wallace Charlie. Veterans James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale are going around again, the latter on an obscure train-and-trial deal, while James Ramm, who was a late addition to the Wallabies spring tour squad, strengthens an already deep outside back contingent. The question for the Force, though, is whether they can compete well enough up front.