Super Rugby 2026
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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.
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Jordan Trainor is a serviceable player but I would have thought his (brief) Super days were past him
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@zedsdeadbaby had the 2nd best stats for a fullback in the NPC and the best in terms of high kick receives
Easily the most consistent rugby I have seen from Jordon during his career still only 29 and besides the Crusaders had no issue signing a 34 year old James O’Connor
He would be handy cover preseason and injury for the Crusaders ,great to see a player rewarded on merit -
@Steven-Harris said in Super Rugby 2026:
Taniela Filimone to the Canes
Interesting, I haven't watched too much NPC this year, is this a good signing?
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@Canes4life Filimone has already played for the landers will be a fine enough depth player for you, mans a big winger with some good skills, tho in saying that in the long run I think landers fans will be thanking you for S Solomon
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@Canes4life said in Super Rugby 2026:
@Steven-Harris said in Super Rugby 2026:
Taniela Filimone to the Canes
Interesting, I haven't watched too much NPC this year, is this a good signing?
Filimone has been great. Just check out his stats and watch some highlights from Manawatu. The perfect depth guy for Super.
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As was mentioned there are major changes coming. A summary from a Paul Cully article.
- Each NZ team will be able to have a WTG of 12 players.
- They have to cover all positions and can only play if a fully contracted player in their position is injured.
- There will be a draft to fill out your 12 WTG players (up to 6 players can be protected).
- There will be a SR development competition driven by NZR.
- The SR U20 competition has been scrapped.
- Three NDC contracts available at each SR club for U20 players. That number had been variable for each team.
These changes are why the likes of Oudenryn and Casey have been given a WTG contract for 2026 before getting a full contract in 2027.
I expect a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to get the WTG players each SR club wants.
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