Hopes high for Cheika revival as Waratahs announce 2027 squad
Updated . First published at
The countdown to the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season is now well and truly on with all 10 clubs revealing their full squad lists on Wednesday.
The season kicks off on February 12 with the Crusaders hosting the Queensland Reds and the ACT Brumbies welcoming Michael Cheika’s NSW Waratahs.
Michael Cheika on Inside Line. Stan
NSW Waratahs
Michael Cheika has assembled an intriguing mixture of old and young talent for his second stint as NSW Waratahs coach.
Cheika, who won NSW’s only Super Rugby title in 2014, will join the Waratahs fulltime next week after he finishes his Rugby League World Cup commitments with Lebanon.
The ‘new’ faces include 2014 champion halves Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley while Angus Crichton joins Cheika in making the code switch after winning the NRL premiership with the Sydney Roosters.
Cheika has also nabbed two of his former star loose forwards - Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu - as assistants.
NSW parted ways with Dan McKellar after finishing eighth with a 5-9 record last season - and Cheika said his recruitment drive was not yet done.
“We’re very pleased with the overall shape of the Waratahs squad for 2027,” Cheika said.
“We have a good balance of types of players in many areas, and we’re definitely going to add or reinforce in others.
“Angus (Bell) is clearly an international-level player and those types are a huge part of the way Super Rugby teams play. We’re keen to get him playing at his peak and in career-best form for the Waratahs to give him a platform to perform for the rest of 2027.
“I’m hugely looking forward to the other Angus (Crichton) coming over to rugby union. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching him recently at the Roosters and I have no doubt about him making a successful transition back to rugby.
“I was very impressed with the younger crop coming through that played in Super Rugby AUS. Being a former back rower, I particularly enjoyed Isaac (Fonua) and the way he carried, and I’m also very interested in the profile of a player like Marshall (Le Maitre), a forward who has the lightning speed of a back.
Marshall Le Maitre of the Waratahs runs the ball. Getty Images
“We’re looking forward to our international players featuring at the Nations Championship in November and welcoming them back to the fold in January for pre-season.”
Waratahs squad: Miles Amatosero, Jack Barrett, Angus Bell, Dan Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Eamon Doyle, Folau Fainga’a, Isaac Fonua, George Francis, Clem Halaholo, Isaac Kailea, Sefo Kautai, Edwin Langi, Marshall Le Maitre, Matt Philip, Veikoso Poloniati, Apolosi Ranawai, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, 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
Queensland Reds
New Queensland Reds coach Vern Cotter has added Toby Brial and Coby Miln as the final pieces of his squad jigsaw puzzle for the 2027 season.
Cotter, who won the 2024 Super Rugby title with the Blues, has replaced Wallabies coach Les Kiss at the helm of the Reds.
Brial played at lock for the Junior Wallabies this year and has been pinched from the NSW Waratahs to join older brother Joe at Ballymore.
“It will be a different being in the same squad as my brother. When I was playing for NSW against Queensland in Roma recently, he was trying to run over the top of me, and we were both trying to rub faces into the turf as a bit of fun,” Brial said.
Vern Cotter at Reds training. Reds
Miln is a well-travelled New Zealand five-eighth who played one Super Rugby game for the Western Force in 2025.
The 27-year-old has also played in Japan and the United States, and starred in the Shute Shield for the Warringah Rats.
“Players like Lachie Hooper, after an excellent season for Northland (in the NPC), are yet to join us,” Cotter said.
“Izzy (Perese) has been fully involved in training for a good while now. Coby and Toby are new. Cadeyrn (Neville) knows his way around Super Rugby. There is a lot of top-level experience in our Wallabies.
“It will be exciting to put all the pieces together and get the growth I see in this squad for the new season.”
Reds squad: 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, 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
Hurricanes
The Hurricanes celebrate after winning the 2026 Super Rugby grand final in Wellington. Getty Images
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has named a stacked squad including 16 Test players as he tries to win back-to-back Super Rugby Pacific titles.
The biggest question mark is at lock after Warner Dearns, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Tom Allen all departed Wellington.
The loss of Japan captain Dearns in particular hits hard and Laidlaw has turned a trio of youngsters in Alefosio Aho, Hunter Morrison and Dylan Eti to fill the gaps.
“It was quite difficult,” Laidlaw said of the recruitment process.
“Other teams seem to have got a lot of locks, excuse the pun, locked up. It’s definitely a position that’s been left wide open for us. But with Ale and Hunter and Dylan, they’re three players that can really come in and grow. We’ve got previous knowledge of Hunter, but the other two guys are good athletes.
“We’ve got high hopes for Dylan. He’s young (20), but he’s a real athlete, 2.02m, and he’s got a little bit of an edge to him around the field.
“Ale, we tried to get him here last year, but he chose to go up to Moana (Pasifika). They are younger, but guys like Oli Haig and Caleb Delany can call lineouts alongside them. We are going to have to grow that area of the game and be real intentional on how we do that through preseason.”
Coach Clark Laidlaw of the Hurricanes and All Blacks selector Sir Graham Henry arrive at NZCIS in Wellington. Hagen Hopkins
Also among the 10 recruits are powerhouse Moana Pasifika No.8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and six-time Super Rugby champion halfback Bryn Hall.
Laidlaw expected injured All Blacks Ruben Love and Tyrel Lomax to be fit for the opening game against the Blues on February 13.
Hurricanes squad: 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, Bryn Hall, Cam Roigard, 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
Highlanders
Jamie Joseph’s Highlanders are shaping as a more formidable force in 2027 with four players picked in the All Blacks squad for the Nations Championship in November.
Dave Rennie selected Ethan de Groot, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Saula Ma’u and Fabian Holland while Shannon Frizell would have been in the national squad if not for a knee injury.
All Blacks squad member Josh Jacomb is a crucial recruit from the Chiefs and will almost certainly start the season at No.10.
Fabian Holland of the Highlanders speaks to media. Getty
“The important thing for us is we’re not starting again. A lot of these young guys have now had exposure to Super Rugby, we’ve been able to keep them together, and we’ve added some quality and experience around them. The challenge now is turning that into performance,” Joseph said.
“It has been really pleasing to see players from our environment get opportunities at the next level. Timoci has continued to grow as a player and leader, and Saula has worked incredibly hard for his opportunity.
“Getting Shannon back and having Fabian available again is important as well. It adds experience and quality to the group and creates more competition for places.”
Highlanders squad: Jermaine Ainsley, Josh Bartlett, Ethan de Groot, Benet Kumeroa, Saula Ma’u, Jack Sexton, Angus Ta’avao, 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, 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
Fijian Drua
Former Wallabies No.8 Isi Naisarani has been included in the 2027 Drua squad, with Crusaders stalwart Brad Mooar taking the coaching reins from Glen Jackson.
Mooar has also lured Ben Volavola to Fiji from the Queensland Reds, while former NSW Waratahs attack coach Mike Catt has signed on as an assistant.
Isi Naisarani made his Wallabies debut in 2019. nna\simon.chapman
“What drew me to this role is the chance to work with such wonderful athletes, to be part of a culture and a people I deeply admire, and to help build something meaningful for the nation,” Mooar said.
“I believe there are enormous opportunities for us to play a special brand of rugby that is successful, entertaining and inspiring. We want to inspire the country, win championships and continue to grow our people and the game in Fiji by creating something the country can be truly proud of.”
Drua squad: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Peni Ravai, Sairusi Ravudi, Harold Rounds, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Mesake Doge, Mesulame Dolokoto, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Leone Nakarawa, Meli Derenalagi, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Isi Naisarani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Josefa Namosimalua, 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
ACT Brumbies
The return of John Eales Medallist Len Ikitau is the headline story of Stephen Larkham’s 2027 squad.
Wallabies centre Ikitau missed the 2026 Super Rugby season to take up a sabbatical option in his contract with the Exeter Chiefs.
Larkham has also lured NSW Waratahs utility Triston Reilly down south, along with promising forwards Aiden Stait, Leafi Talataina and TJ Talaileva.
Big Brumbies lock Aiden Stait. Brumbies
Stait is a 203cm, 130kg lock who played for the St George Illawarra Dragons SG Ball team before seriously committing to rugby in 2022.
Stait has spent the last three years in France with Bayonne.
“Aidan is a unique athlete. You simply can’t coach his size and power, and those attributes give him an incredibly high ceiling,” Larkham said.
“What excites us most is that he’s recognised where he needs to be to take the next step. He’s had a valuable experience overseas, but he’s still at the beginning of his rugby journey, and we believe our environment is the best place for him to develop into a Super Rugby player and continue building towards becoming a player who can perform at the highest level.”
"We've built a strong reputation for developing quality forwards, and our program has done an outstanding job with our pack over the past few seasons. Aidan will benefit enormously from working and learning alongside the experienced players we have in this squad."
Brumbies squad: 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, 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
Blues
Ardie Savea of Moana Pasifika celebrates beating the Blues. Getty
The Blues are the competition’s biggest off-season winners, with All Blacks captain Ardie Savea signing on as a marquee player.
New coach Jason Holland also has All Blacks veteran Rieko Ioane back from Ireland and one-Test Wallabies winger Darby Lancaster crossing the ditch.
It is Savea’s third Super Rugby club after playing 133 games for his hometown Hurricanes and 12 for the now defunct Moana Pasifika.
“Ardie is one of the best players in the world, but what excites me just as much is what he brings to the group - his energy, his standards and the way he connects with people. Our young loosies will learn a huge amount just by being around him every day,” Holland said.
“Darby brings genuine pace and experience... we’ve got a back three that can hurt teams from anywhere,” Holland said.
The highly regarded Holland was previously with the Hurricanes and also had a stint with Scott Robertson’s All Blacks.
“This is a squad with real belief in it. We’ve got some of the best players in the world sitting alongside young men from this region who are hungry to make the Blues jersey their own, and that’s exactly the mix you want,” Holland said.
Darby Lancaster speaks to Justin Harrison on Stan Sport. nna\sworthington
“The Blues are a proud club with a big following. Our job is to play a brand of rugby that gets Auckland excited and gives people a reason to back us. That starts with how we train, how we connect, and how we turn up for each other every week.
“There’s a lot of talent in this group. We want to be a team that’s tough up front and brave with the ball, and we’ll be demanding that we get better every week.”
Blues squad: 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, Finlay Christie, Taufa Funaki, Nic Shearer, Beauden Barrett, Cam Millar, Rico Simpson, Pita Ahki, James Cameron, Leo Gordon, Rieko Ioane, Zarn Sullivan, Xavi Taele, Kade Banks, Caleb Clarke, Darby Lancaster, Payton Spencer, Rory Taylor, Cody Vai
Chiefs
Anton Lienert-Brown’s return from Japan is the biggest inclusion in Jono Gibbes’ 2027 Chiefs squad.
The Chiefs made this year’s grand final but were smoked 60-5 by the rampant Hurricanes in Wellington.
Lienert-Brown is poised to form a high-quality centre pairing with All Blacks teammate Quinn Tupaea, the 2026 Super Rugby player of the year.
Anton Lienert-Brown of the Chiefs celebrates with Mitchell Brown and Damian McKenzie. nna\sworthington
“There’s a lot to be excited about in this group,” Gibbes said.
“We’ve got players who understand this club and what it means to represent our people, as well as new faces bringing their own experiences. I’m confident in the foundation we’ve built, this is a new team and a new season. It’s about what we do next and everyone has a part to play in that.“
The Chiefs on Wednesday revealed five previously un-announced players had signed.
They are Bay of Plenty trio Richard Judd, Jai Knight and Charlie Sinton, New Zealand sevens star Frank Vaenuku and Crusaders flanker Corey Kellow.
“The players coming in are at different stages of their careers, and that’s a strength,” Gibbes said.
“Some bring experience from other Super Rugby teams, while others have been developing within our pathways and are ready for their next challenge. We want them to bring what makes them different. They’re here to contribute, compete and help this group move forward.”
Chiefs squad: George Dyer, Paula Latu, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tevita Mafileo, Ollie Norris, Jared Proffit, Taine Kolose, Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei’aho, 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, 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
James O’Connor speaks on returning to Perth. Perth Nine News
Western Force
The Force have added Kurtley Beale and Harrison Goddard to their squad on season-long ‘train-and-trial’ deals.
James O’Connor’s return to Perth cast some doubt over Beale’s future at the club but the 37-year-old utility back is sticking around.
“KB has been a critical piece for the Force over the past few seasons, adding ball playing, experience and voice to our backline,” Force coach Simon Cron said.
“Last season he regularly made a big impact off the bench and is showing no signs of letting up.”
Newly capped Wallabies playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and ex-Northampton Saints winger James Ramm are big additions for 2027.
“We’re happy to have retained most of the core player group from last season, adding in some targeted players that will complement the group,” Cron said.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips of the Wallabies passes. Getty Images
“We’ve seen a lot of recent growth within our squad, highlighted by our Wallabies and Australia A representatives and recent success in Super AUS, and we’ll keep driving the players to progress further to move us towards our goals.
“The continuity among our leaders is important, helping to further instill and grow our standards and culture internally which will drive us forward.”
Force squad: 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, 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, Kurtley Beale, Harrison Goddard
Crusaders
New Crusaders coach Scott Hansen has named a deep squad that looks more than capable of contending for the trophy next year.
The biggest in is All Blacks playmaker Richie Mo’unga, who won seven titles with the Crusaders before a big-money move to Japan.
Hansen was a Crusaders assistant between 2020-23 and replaces Rob Penney at the helm.
Richie Mo'unga of the Crusaders is tackled by Brad Weber of the Chiefs. nna\sworthington
“We are all really excited about our squad and what we can all achieve together,” Hansen said.
“There’s a lot of talent throughout the group, but just as importantly there are good people who care deeply about this club and what it represents.
“We’ve got a great mix of experience, guys who have been successful here before, and a blend of younger players who will be hungry for their opportunity.
“Our challenge now is to bring that together. There’s a lot to look forward to in 2027 and a lot of work to do, we want our people to feel part of what we’re building and proud to come on that journey with us.”
Crusaders squad: Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Seb Calder, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Clément Castets, Codie Taylor, Manumaua Letiu George Bell, Liam Jack, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Xavier Saifoloi, Ethan Blackadder, Dominic Gardiner, Xavier Treacy, Christian Lio-Willie, Finn McLeod, Oli Mathis, Johnny Lee, 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
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