Super Rugby Pacific squads: Team grades for a truly New Zealand club
The Super Rugby Pacific squads for the 2026 season have been announced, with each team unveiling its complete player list. Head coach Scott Robertson faces challenges due to several injuries, forcing him to rethink his selection strategies.
Despite the setbacks, the inclusion of younger talents hints at the evolving direction of the team. Their energy and adaptability may shape the squad’s playstyle moving forward.
“In a rugby culture where quiet sacrifice is the archetype, the remarkable young playmaker bucks the trend.”
Meanwhile, the French national team continues to grapple with the memories of their Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final defeat to the Springboks. That loss, still vivid, could reopen emotional wounds when the teams meet again in Paris.
Author’s Summary
The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific reveals a reshaped New Zealand roster built on youth and resilience, contrasting with France’s lingering regret from their World Cup loss.