In an exciting opening round of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, eleven players with Fijian ties are set to take the field, largely representing the Crusaders and Highlanders. The Crusaders will feature prominent players including scrumhalf Noah Hotham, right wing Sevu Reece, fullback Chay Fihaki, and bench player George Bower. This season marks a special milestone for Reece, who will conclude his tenure with the Canterbury franchise before embarking on a new journey with French Top 14 club Perpignan. As the leading try-scorer in Super Rugby history with 66 tries, the Kadavu native aims to further solidify his record during this final season.
The Crusaders, defending champions from last season, will kick off their title defense against the Highlanders, who also showcase a formidable lineup of Fijian talent. The Highlanders feature the agile Jona Nareki at left wing, the powerful Timoci Tavatavanawai at inside centre, and the dynamic fullback Jacob Ratumatavuki-Kneepkins. Additionally, promising openside flanker Veveni Lasaqa is anticipated to make a significant impact off the bench.
Over with the Auckland Blues, Hoskins Sotutu will maintain his position as number eight in the squad. As he begins his final season, he is determined to lead the Blues to victory against the Gallagher Chiefs before transferring to English Premiership club Newcastle Falcons at the season’s end.
Adding to this representation, Rob Valetini, hailing from Galoa Kadavu, will start at blindside flanker for the ACT Brumbies, making his family proud along with his brother Kemu Valetini, who has secured a starting position at fly-half for the Fijian Drua. The Brumbies are set to kick off their campaign against the Western Force.
In the Queensland Reds, dynamic forward Seru Uru will be the only player with Fijian connections, ready to make an impact off the bench in their matchup with the Waratahs. Notably, former Flying Fijians fly-half Ben Volavola and Australian utility back Filipo Daugunu were both excluded from the Reds’ matchday squad.
The action for the 2026 Super Rugby season will commence in Dunedin, where the Crusaders will face the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday, February 13. With a strong representation of Fijian players across teams and the promise of thrilling rugby ahead, anticipation builds for an electrifying season.
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