Overview
- The Blues confirmed Beauden Barrett’s return and an Ioane-free roster for the first time in a decade, adding U20 prospects James Cameron and Rico Simpson and All Blacks Sevens flyer Cody Vai.
- The Fijian Drua elevated four development players and signed Wallaby halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and lock Temo Mayanavanua, offsetting exits including Tevita Ikanivere and Caleb Muntz.
- New Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes named 10 newcomers headlined by Wallaby Lalakai Foketi and Kyren Taumoefolau, with Anton Lienert-Brown on a Japan sabbatical and Shaun Stevenson departing.
- The Crusaders brought in Leicester Fainga’anuku and U20 talent and expect captain Scott Barrett to miss most of the season on a non-playing sabbatical, with lock cover lined up.
- The Brumbies handed the No.10 reins to Tane Edmed as Noah Lolesio leaves and Len Ikitau takes an Exeter sabbatical, while the Waratahs added Matt Philip, Pete Samu and Harry Potter and Moana Pasifika secured Ngani Laumape and Augustine Pulu.