Overview
- The Blues named a 38-player group with Beauden Barrett returning and no Ioane family members for the first time in a decade, adding Pita Ahki and several U20 standouts.
- New Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes unveiled a squad with 10 newcomers, highlighted by Wallaby Lalakai Foketi and Kyren Taumoefolau, plus U20 graduates in the tight five.
- The NSW Waratahs bolstered their list with Wallabies Matt Philip, Pete Samu and Harry Potter and elevated five academy prospects under coach Dan McKellar.
- The Fijian Drua promoted four development players and signed Issak Fines‑Leleiwasa and Temo Mayanavanua, reinforcing a squad reshaped by key departures.
- Moana Pasifika brought in former All Blacks Ngani Laumape and Augustine Pulu to add leadership, while the Western Force signed ex‑All Black George Bridge and one‑Test Wallaby Darby Lancaster.