Australian and Fijian Drua squads revealed for 2022 Super Rugby Pacific
The five Australian Super Rugby Pacific franchises – the Brumbies, Reds, Rebels, Force and Waratahs – and the Fijian Drua have unveiled their squads for next season.
On the same day the New Zealand and Moana Pasifika squads were announced, their Australian and Fijian counterparts revealed their squad lists, which confirmed the return of numerous key figures.
The headline acquisition among those is Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, who has returned from his sabbatical in Japan with Toyota Verblitz to link back up with the Waratahs after their horror winless campaigns in Super Rugby AU and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Hooper is joined in his return to the Waratahs from Japan by Toyota Verblitz teammate Jed Holloway and 25-test international Ned Hanigan.
The Sydney-based franchise have, however, lost a number of prominent players, such as locks Sam Caird and Jack Whetton, as well as Wallabies duo Jack Maddocks and Jack Dempsey.
Another Wallabies returnee from abroad is lock Matt Philip, who has re-signed with the Melbourne Rebels following a season-long spell with Pau in France’s Top 14.
Philip, Flying Fijians halfback Moses Sorovi and Australian sevens representative Joe Pincus are the major pick-ups for the Rebels, who have endured a poor off-season on the recruitment front.
In that respect, they have lost star wing Marika Koroibete and Wallabies No 8 Isi Naisarani to Japan, veteran fullback Dane Haylett-Petty to retirement and Fijian international Frank Lomani to Harlequins in England.
Nevertheless, the Rebels have still retained Wallabies representatives Andrew Kellaway, Matt To’omua, Reece Hodge, Rob Leota, Jordan Uelese, Pone Fa’amausili, Joe Powell and James Hanson in their 2022 squad.
In Western Australia, the Force have lured back Wallabies lock Izack Rodda from French club Lyon after he left for Europe amid the player pay cuts forced upon Rugby Australia by Covid-19 last year.
Now back in test rugby and Super Rugby, Rodda will be tasked with helping the Perth-based club build on their breakthrough victories this year after going winless during their Super Rugby comeback in 2020.
Rodda will be supported in that quest by international teammate Feleti Kaitu’u and fellow newbies Manasa Mataele, the Fijian wing formerly of the Crusaders, and ex-Brumbies quintet Issak Fines, Bayley Kuenzle, Reesjan Pasitoa, Reece Tapine and Harry Lloyd.
In the wake of an off-season where they lost a number of key players, the Highlanders have recruited strongly ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season. #Highlanders #SuperRugbyPacific https://t.co/g6VHHTu7k7
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 21, 2021
Those players will help fill the void left by departing Force players such as Argentine international Tomas Lezana, Tomas Cubelli and Domingo Miotti, ex-Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani and retired Ireland great Rob Kearney.
Other casualties for the Force include Manu Samoa midfielder Henry Taefu, Leicester Tigers loanee Jordan Olowofela, USA Eagles utility back Marcel Brache and veteran playmaker Jono Lance.
In the Australian capital, the Brumbies have looked both within and abroad to help offset the departure of the five aforementioned players who have linked up with the Force.
Dan McKellar’s side have also been forced to replace lock James Tucker and outside back duo Solomone Kata and Mack Hansen, all of whom have left for greener pastures.
As such, the Canberra-based side recalled a franchise great in Jesse Mogg, who returns for a second stint with the Brumbies after six-year stay in France.
Mogg will be joined in the outside backs by two-test Wallabies utility back Chris Feauai-Sautia, who was dropped by the Reds in the lead-up to this year’s competition, and ex-Waratahs speedster Cam Clark, who returns from a brief spell in Major League Rugby.
The backline will also feature All Blacks Sevens star Ollie Sapsford, who have been recruited following a string of impressive performances for Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s NPC.
Three-test Samoan international Rodney Iona, meanwhile, will accompany rising Wallabies prospect Noah Lolesio as the squad’s chief playmakers.
Lolesio is one of 19 Brumbies players who have been involved in the Wallabies set-up under current boss Dave Rennie, which is indicative of the franchise’s status as one of Australia’s best chances in next year’s edition of Super Rugby Pacific.
Their biggest rivals as Australia’s best team, though, is the Queensland Reds, who claimed the last Super Rugby AU title in dramatic fashion earlier this year.
Of the 31 rookies signing with Kiwi Super Rugby Pacific sides for the first times in their careers, none warrant attention like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. #Blues #SuperRugbyPacific https://t.co/dLfvYPeYkM
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 21, 2021
Since then, head coach Brad Thorn has only had to deal with a handful of alterations to his squad as he has retained the majority of his roster for next season.
The biggest loss facing the Brisbane-based franchise is that of Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who has inked a deal to join Montpellier in the Top 14.
The only other departures from the Queensland side is halfback Moses Sorovi, who has joined the Rebels, and fullback Bryce Hegarty, who has linked up with the Leicester Tigers.
In their place come a quartet of new faces, the most notable of which is teenage playmaker Tom Lynagh, the son of former World Cup-winning Wallabies first-five Michael who joins the Reds from Harlequins in England.
Lynagh will be joined as a rookie in the Reds squad, which includes 10 Australian internationals, by Spencer Jeans, George Blake and Lopeti Faifua.
As one of two expansion franchises, the Fijian Drua spent its entire off-season recruiting new players, many of whom have already been announced, and have ended up with some top talents within their ranks.
Olympic gold medallists Napolioni Bolaca, Meli Derenalagi, Kalione Nasoko and Kitione Taliga have both been included in the squad, which will be coached by ex-All Blacks and Wallabies assistant Mick Byrne.
The Drua also boast an array of Fijian internationals, the most experienced of whom include hooker Mesu Dolokoto, flanker Nemani Nagusa and prop Manasa Saulo.
Bay of Plenty duo Onisi Ratave and Haeriti Hetet, Tasman lock Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Northland pair Zuriel Togiatama and Raikabula Momoedonu, and Counties Manukau lock Viliame Rarasea have all been handed contracts after strong NPC seasons.
2022 Brumbies squad
Props: Allan Alaalatoa, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Tom Ross, James Slipper, Scott Sio
Hookers: Folau Fainga’a, Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney, Billy Pollard
Locks: Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain
Loose Forwards: Jahrome Brown, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini
Halfbacks: Lachie Albert, Ryan Lonergan, Nic White
First-Fives: Rodney Iona, Noah Lolesio
Centres: Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Ollie Sapsford
Outside Backs: Tom Banks, Cam Clark, Jesse Mogg, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
IN: Sefo Kautai, Fred Kaihea, Ed Kennedy, Rod Iona, Hudson Creighton, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Ollie Sapsford, Cam Clark, Jesse Mogg
OUT: Bayley Kuenzle, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Reece Tapine, James Tucker, Harry Lloyd, Mack Hansen, Archer Holz, Solomone Kata
2022 Force squad
Props: Bo Abra, Greg Holmes, Harry Lloyd, Santiago Medrano, Tom Robertson, Angus Wagner
Hookers: Feleti Kaitu’u, Andrew Ready, Jack Winchester
Locks: Ryan McCauley, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jackson Pugh, Izack Rodda, Sitaleki Timani, Jeremy Thrush
Loose Forwards: Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander
Halfbacks: Isaac Fines-Leleiwasa, Michael McDonald, Ian Prior
First-Fives: Jake McIntrye, Reejan Pasitoa
Centres: Kyle Godwin, Richard Kahui, Bayley Kuenzle, Grason Makara
Outside Backs: Daniel Ala, Brad Lacey, Manasa Mataele, Jack McGregor, Toni Pulu, Byron Ralston, Jake Strachan, Reece Tapine
IN: Daniel Ala, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Lloyd, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa and Reece Tapine.
OUT: Marcel Brache, Tomas Cubelli, Rob Kearney, Tevita Kuridrani, Jono Lance, Tomas Lezana, Kieran Longbottom, Domingo Miotti, Jordan Olowofela, Jonah Placid, Henry Taefu
2022 Rebels squad
Props: Cabous Eloff, Vaauli (Pone) Faamausili, Matt Gibbon, Cameron Orr, Rhys Van Nek
Hookers: James Hanson, Efi Maafu, Jordan Uelese
Locks: Ross Haylett-Petty, Trevor Hosea, Tom Nowlan, Matt Philip
Loose Forwards: Richard Hardwick, Tamati Ioane, Josh Kemeny, Rob Leota, Jeral Skelton, Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin
Halfbacks: Joe Powell, Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle
First-Fives: Carter Gordon
Centres: Stacey Ili, Ray Nu’u, Young Tonumaipea, Matt Toomua, Jeral Skelton
Outside Backs: Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Joe Pincus, Ilikena Vudogo
IN: Tamati Ioane, Joe Pincus, Moses Sorovi, Efi Maafu, Matt Philip
OUT: Lucio Sordoni, Ignacio Calas, Steve Cummins, Lewis Holland, Frank Lomani, Tom Pincus, Dane Haylett-Petty, Isi Naisarani, Marika Koroibete
2022 Reds squad
Props: George Blake, Feao Fotuaika, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Taniela Tupou, Dane Zander
Hookers: Richie Asiata, Alex Mafi, Josh Nasser
Locks: Angus Blyth, Lopeti Faifua, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, Tuaina Taii Tualima
Loose Forwards: Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
Halfbacks: Spencer Jeans, Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas
First-Fives: Lawson Creighton, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor
Centres: Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart
Outside Backs: Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu, Ilaisa Droasese, Mac Grealy, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu
IN: Spencer Jeans, Tom Lynagh, Lopeti Faifua. George Blake
OUT: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Bryce Hegarty, Moses Sorovi
2022 Waratahs squad
Props: Angus Bell, Tiaan Taukipulu, Te Tera Faulkner, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ruan Smith, Archer Holz
Hookers: David Porecki, Tom Horton
Locks: Max Douglas, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Hugh Bokenham, Jeremy Williams
Loose Forwards: Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Lachie Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson
Halfbacks: Jack Grant, Jake Gordon, Henry Robertson
First-Fives: Will Harrison, Tane Edmed, Ben Donaldson
Centres: Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mosese Tuipulotu
Outside Backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Alex Newsome, James Ramm, Tristan Reilly, Tevita Funa, Dylan Pietsch
IN: Ruan Smith, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Tevita Funa, Dylan Pietsch, Archer Holz, Hugh Bokenham
OUT: Robbie Abel, Chris Talakai, Jack Whetton, Sam Caird, Sam Wykes, Jack Dempsey, Tepai Moeroa, Jack Maddocks, Joe Cotton, Chris Tatola
2022 Fijian Drua squad
Props: Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Meli Tuni, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Manasa Saulo, Samuela Tawake
Hookers: Mesu Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama
Locks: Chris Minimbi, Ratu Rotuisolia, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Viliame Rarasea
Loose Forwards: Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Nemani Nagusa, Raikabula Momoedonu, Rusiate Nasove, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Halfbacks: Leone Nawai, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli
First-Fives: Teti Tela
Centres: Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Kalione Nasoko, Seru Vularika
Outside Backs: Onisi Ratave, Vinaya Habosi, Kitione Taliga, Napolioni Bolaca, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Comments on RugbyPass
I certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to comments