Rugby
ESPN staff 5y

2019 New Zealand Super Rugby squads unveiled

Rugby, Super Rugby

New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises each unveiled their 38-man squads for 2019 on Wednesday, with several promising rookies and some returning former stars among the lists.

For the Blues, the biggest addition comes in the form of All Blacks great Ma'a Nonu who is back in New Zealand after a stint with Toulon in France.

North Island neighbours, the Chiefs, have picked up former Rebels fly-half Jack Debreczeni following his strong form for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup while also adding impressive Japanese winger Ataata Moeakiola.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, welcome back utility James Marshall which offsets the departure of Julian Savea.

On the South Island, two-time defending champions the Crusaders have again named formidable squad which includes the latest cab of their fly-half production rank, recent All Blacks call-up Brett Cameron.

Further south, the Highlanders have picked up Bryn Gatland from the Blues while also welcoming back former cult hero Marty Banks.

Check out the full squad lists below.

Blues

Forwards: Leni Apisai, Alex Hodgman, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Matt Moulds, James Parsons, Marcel Renata, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Jacob Pierce, Scott Scrafton, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jed Brown, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson, Hoskins Sotutu, Jimmy Tupou.

Backs: Sam Nock, Augustine Pulu, Jonathan Ruru, Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Levi Aumua, TJ Faiane, Ma'a Nonu, Tanielu Tele'a, Sonny Bill Williams, Caleb Clarke, Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Melani Nanai, Jordan Trainor.

Chiefs

Forwards: Kane Hames, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Sosefo Kautai, Angus Ta'avao. Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty) Liam Polwart (Bay of Plenty) Samisoni Taukei'aho, Brodie Retallick, Tyler Ardron, Laghlan McWhannell, Michael Allardice, Fin Hoeata, Mitchell Brown, Taleni Seu, Sam Cane, Mitchell Karpik, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Pita Gus Sowakula

Backs: Brad Weber, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi,Jonathan Taumateine, Damian McKenzie, Tiaan Falcon, Jack Debreczeni, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tumua Manu, Bailyn Sullivan, Solomon Alaimalo, Sean Wainui, Ataata Moeakiola, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Marty McKenzie.

Crusaders

Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Harry Allan, Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Dunshea, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Billy Harmon, Oliver Jager, Andrew Makalio, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Sanders, Quinten Strange, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock

Backs: Tim Bateman, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Mitchell Drummond, Ereatara Enari, Braydon Ennor, Leicester Faingaanuku, Jack Goodhue, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Mitchell Hunt, Will Jordan, Manasa Mataele, Richie Mo'unga, Ngane Punivai.

Highlanders

Forwards: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ray Niuia, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone , Siate Tokolahi, Tyrel Lomax, Sef Fa'agase, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Paripari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Jack Whetton, Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon

Backs: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava, Bryn Gatland, Josh Ioane, Marty Banks, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Richard Buckman, Matt Faddes, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Waisake Naholo, Tevita Li, Tevita Nabura , Josh McKay , Ben Smith.

Hurricanes

Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Ricky Riccitelli, Fraser Armstrong, Chris Eves, Alex Fidow, Ben May, Toby Smith, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, James Blackwell, Geoff Cridge, Sam Lousi, Liam Mitchell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Sam Henwood, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea.

Backs: Finlay Christie, Richard Judd, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Vince Aso, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Matt Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Ben Lam, Jonah Lowe, Nehe Milner-Skudder, James Marshall, Salesi Rayasi.

^ Back to Top ^