Overview
- New Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes confirmed his first squad with 10 new faces, headlined by signings Lalakai Foketi and Kyren Taumoefolau.
- Chiefs changes include prop Benet Kumeroa’s arrival, hookers Tyrone Thompson and Taine Kolose in for Bradley Slater, U20 graduates Aisake Vakasiuola and Jayden Sa, and departures such as Aidan Ross and Anton Lienert-Brown taking a sabbatical.
- The Blues named a 38-player list featuring Beauden Barrett’s return, front-row additions Bradley Slater and Flyn Yates, midfielder Pita Ahki’s homecoming, and fullback Kade Banks back in the frame.
- Injury updates for the Blues note Sam Darry and Ofa Tu‘ungafasi returning after long layoffs, reinforcing a pack that includes Patrick Tuipulotu, Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu.
- The Roar reports Tane Edmed will steer the Brumbies at fly-half after Noah Lolesio’s move to Japan, while the Fijian Drua added lock Temo Mayanavanua and scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.