Super Rugby 2026
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@SouthernMann im not suggesting taking over the NPC funding or changing the timing, just stregthen the connections, work on more combo signings, get players down to play NPC in 2026 and then Landers in 2027, JJ comes in as consultant for southland and otago to work with specific players, NPC teams get some more offical help, players get more facetime with the next level
look im just making stuff up, i was just reacting im surprised at the move when money is tight, it they can afford it great, i think it will be another blow to the NPC as it effectively drops another rung but thats been happening for ages so whatever
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From what I can workout, teams will have extra WTG players, no idea what the number is. But this is to allow the teams to keep those who have been going to MLR here on contracts of a similar standing (I am assuming they will have a similar value).
The U20 comp is being done away with (not sure if that is from next season), so effectively these teams will be made up of squad members 28-38 + say 7 WTG players + 4-5 NDC players + Best local U20s and club players. Effectively what the Hurricanes Hunters/Highlanders Bravehearts are now, but with more WTG players.
At current SR U20 is a little floored, in that some of those guys will never even reach NPC level, so probably not the right ones to invest in.
^ And I should add to the above, I don't know if this B Comp is to start in 2026, but given the amount of guys who have signed WTG contracts, I think we can expect to see more organised games for the B sides at the very least.
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@frugby said in Super Rugby 2026:
From what I can workout, teams will have extra WTG players, no idea what the number is.
In an article about the Hurricanes in the newspaper today it mentions a squad of 38 fully contracted players plus 12 WTG players.
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They will probably play these B games as curtain raisers but they should look into playing them in the regions. Play them on early Saturday nights and have the basic one or two camera set up and stream on You tube. Play in places like Whangarei, Albany, Pukekohe, Tauranga, Napier, etc. Locals can watch/play club rugby and then go see their mates who have made the next level.
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From what I've heard from the likes of Lendrum and Lancaster recently, they aren't guna change anything much.
Especially on the competitions side.
They are way more concerned about costs
Any new competition that looks as if it might cost anything like serious money, aint guna happen.The one thing I can see is the merging of the admin ops of the Super PU's and the Super clubs.
Both of those guys have talked about that. -
They have been doing 38 for a while now. That is 32 full contracts plus 6 draft (season). Then add the WTG.
Last season all the Super club SRP squads used between 40 and 43 players. Tho not all actually played.
So the number 38 seems about "fit for purpose".If they are going to bring in a few more players, it'll be all down to the cost. Which will be what they are thinking about right now, i'd say.
Dont forget!
They have to give the girls something now as well!I know the Aussie SR teams play some B/A/Development type matches, the formula seems to change every season. But there is no formal comp. It'd be the expense.
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@mohikamo said in Super Rugby 2026:
They have been doing 38 for a while now. That is 32 full contracts plus 6 draft (season). Then add the WTG.
It was the specified number for the WTG (for the Hurricanes at least) that was the reason I posted. All teams have been different in the size of their squads, dependent on their number of ABs, how many NDC players etc.
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I believe it’s 12 WTG players
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I think they always start with 38 + WTG.
But they know that they are always going to need some players on interim (injury) contracts.
The surprising thing is how few extra players they need. I'd give some credit to the medical staff.It seems that the WTG number has changed. And they are trying to decide what to do with them; don't wanna send them back to clubland.
A U20 comp with a few over-age players would be a great run-in into the U20 worlds.
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Some signings that have been passed on to me
Kyle Brown to the Chiefs
Taniela Filimone to the Canes
Flynn Yates to the Blues (tight head prop)
Terrell Peita to the Blues
Jordon Trainor to the Crusaders (WTG) only
James Arscott to the Blues (WTG) only
Dylan Eti (in discussion with 2 franchises) -
@Steven-Harris said in Super Rugby 2026:
Some signings that have been passed on to me
Kyle Brown to the Chiefs
Taniela Filimone to the Canes
Flynn Yates to the Blues (tight head prop)
Terrell Peita to the Blues
Jordon Trainor to the Crusaders (WTG) only
James Arscott to the Blues (WTG) only
Dylan Eti (in discussion with 2 franchises)Terrell Peita looked pretty impressive for Northland - close to their best player this season. Flynn Yates is very surprising and questionable. Keran Van Staden looked pretty good - a lot better than Flynn Yates.
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@brodean Van Staden was impressive I suppose there’s a ton of information gleamed in around S & C , work ethic etc but you are correct it’s a bit of a surprise given how the turbos travelled this year
Wrapt for Kyle Brown , has very good pace and footwork before contact could prove to be a real addition to the Chiefs -
I wonder who'll be the third choice 9 and 10 for the Blues next year?
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@MacDazzler said in Super Rugby 2026:
I wonder who'll be the third choice 9 and 10 for the Blues next year?
FInlay Christie and Beauden Barrett?
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@Steven-Harris said in Super Rugby 2026:
Kyle Brown to the Chiefs
Initially reported as WTG, is this still the case or are you unsure?
Dylan Eti (in discussion with 2 franchises)
Do you know which 2?
Appreciate the updates too cheers.
