Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Players of Pacific Island origins have been named in all 10 franchise teams outside of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific, squad announcements made last week confirmed this.
Super Rugby squad lists indicate that all 10 franchise teams have included players with Fijian, Samoan and Tongan heritage.
But missing from the list is 2023 Rugby World Cup player of the Year, Ardie Savea.
The Hurricanes stalwart is taking a Sabbatical and will be missing the competition.
The 2024 season starts on 24 February 2024.
Players of Pacific islands origins by teams:
- Chiefs: Sione Ahio (Auckland), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty), Samipeni Finau (Waikato), Josh Ioane (Waikato), Kauvaka Kaivelata (Counties Manukau), Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau), Emoni Narawa (Bay of Plenty), Samisoni Taukei'aho (Waikato), Jimmy Tupou (Counties Manukau), Tupou Vaa'i (Taranaki).
- Highlanders: Folau Fakatava (Hawkes Bay), Ajay Faleafaga (Otago), Jacob Ratumaituvuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki), Jona Nareki (Otago), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Tasman), Tanielu Tele'a (Auckland), Saula Ma'u (Otago)
- Hurricanes: Siale Lauaki (Wellington), Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty), Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Josh Taula (Manawatū), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke's Bay), Brayden Iose (Manawatū), Du'Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Peter Lakai (Wellington), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington), Kini Naholo (Taranaki), Ngatungane Punivai (Canterbury), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland).
- Auckland Blues: Akira Ioane, Rieiko Ioane, Hskins Sotutu, AJ Lam, Cameron Suafoa, Jordan Lay, Caleb Clarke, Angus Ta'avao, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Tele'a, Patrick Tuipulotu, Taufa Funaki, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Joshua Fusitua, Soane Vikena
- Brumbies: Allan Ala;alato'a, Noah Lolesio, Tamati Tua, Rob Valetini, Len Ikitau, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai
- Crusaders: Levi Aumua, Ioane Moananu, George Bower, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Jone Rova, Chay Fihaki, Manasa Mataele
- Rebels: Isaac Kailea, Lukhan Salakaia Loto, Filipo Daugunu, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Sam Talakai, Pone Fa'amausili, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, David Felivai, Daniela Maiava,Jordan Uelese, Lebron Naea, Glen Vaihu, Divad Palu, David Vaihu
- Waratahs: Izaia Perese, Miles Amatosero, Mosese Tuipulotu, Lalakai Foketi, Langi Gleeson, Mahe Vailanu, Vuate Karawalevu, Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Reds: Jordan Petaia, Peni Ravai, Richie Asiata, Taine Roiri, Jeffery Toomaa-Allen, Seru Uru, Suliasi Vunivalu, Sef Fa'agase, Hunter Paisami
- Western Force: Siosifa Amone, Feleti Kaitu'u, Felix Kalapu, Papillon Sevele, Atu Moli, Lopeti Faifua, Chase Tiatia, Issak Fines Leleiwasa, Campbell Parata, Nikolai Foliaki, Reesjan Pasito
