Force snag Wallaby from Tahs, Eddie’s RWC prop heads to NZ, JOC leaves Reds

The demise of the Melbourne Rebels and the reduction of Australian Super Rugby Pacific teams to four has seen a considerable shakeup in the player stocks for the surviving clubs.

In this evolving article The Roar will track player signing and departure news as it happens before the Super Rugby squads are confirmed in early 2025.

(Note the 2024 squads listed below were those with which the clubs began last season, not the squads they had at the finish. New squads will be announced early in 2025)

There has been significant movement among the Australian franchises with the carve up of the Rebels list ongoing. The Waratahs, who have a new incoming coach in Dan McKellar, have signed several big names including Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway.

On September 9 they announced a week of signing news – starting with the naming of six newcomers (see the Tahs section below). A day later the Reds announced their flyhalf Lawson Creighton would be leaving to the Waratahs despite the club wanting him to stay. Finally, at the end of the week, it would be announced that Wallaby Dylan Pietsch will depart the Waratahs, signing a multi-year contract with the Western Force – despite reports the move was blocked by Rugby Australia.

The Reds have also beefed up with the arrival of Wallabies lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and winger Filipo Daugunu.

On September 12 the club said goodbye to another flyhalf, with veteran James O’Connor opting to head overseas.

There has been plenty of change at the Western Force as well with Darcy Swain crossing over from the Brumbies and Brandon Paenga-Amosa returning from France.

On September 11 they announced the signing of one-game All Black centre Matt Proctor, who was at the Rebels in 2024.

So far, the Brumbies are keeping their powder relatively dry, although they have signed two ex-Rebels.

There has also been significant movement overseas so far, with the likes of Wallabies Izack Rodda, Izzy Perese, Ned Hanigan and Lachie Swinton packing their bags for new adventures.

Add to that Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili who has signed a one-year deal to join New Zealand-based franchise Moana Pasifika after leaving the Rebels. He has fallen significantly down the pecking order after being named in Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad.

ACT Brumbies

The Brumbies have picked up two former Rebels in David Feliuai and Tuaina Taii Tualima but will look to bank on a stable squad. The biggest losses are forwards Darcy Swain to the Force and Jahrome Brown, who is expected to move home to the Chiefs.

Ins: Liam Bowron (promoted), David Feliuai (Rebels), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Rebels)

Outs: Darcy Swain (Force), Fred Kaihea, Connal McInerney, Ed Kennedy, Jahrome Brown, Tamati Tua (Exeter)

 (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

2024 squad:

Props: Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Harry Vella

Hookers: Lachlan Lonergan, Connal McInerney, Billy Pollard

Locks: Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Lachlan Shaw

Loose forwards: Rob Valetini, Charlie Cale, Jahrome Brown, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Ed Kennedy

Halfbacks: Ryan Lonergan, Harrison Goddard, Klayton Thorn

Fly-halves: Noah Lolesio, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith

Midfielders: Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Austin Anderson

Outside backs: Tom Wright, Corey Toole, Ben O’Donnell, Andy Muirhead

NSW Waratahs

There has been a huge upheaval at Daceyville. Early attention will be on code-hopper Joseph Suaalii in his transition from the Roosters while the addition of Andrew Kellaway and Darby Lancaster from the Rebels should help ease the pain of losing Mark Nawaqanitawase to rugby league.

The influx of talented back-three and centre options has also meant several players have departed to make way – most recently two-test Wallaby Dylan Pietsch, who has made the journey across the Nullarbor to sign a multi-year deal with the Western Force – a move that will likely prove mutually beneficial, giving the talented winger more game time while freeing up options for Dan McKellar, and despite reports the RA reported attempted to block the move.

They added three more ex-Rebels to the list along with three more players in a single day.

Prop Siosifa Amone and outside back Henry O’Donnell return home to NSW following stints with the Western Force, and are joined by former Melbourne Rebels lock Angelo Smith, hooker Ethan Dobbins and backrower Leafi Talataina.

Amone (13 games), O’Donnell (5 games), Smith (20 games) and Dobbins (6 games) all arrive with Super Rugby Pacific experience under their belts, while O’Donnell and Talataina represented the Junior Wallabies last year.

Meanwhile Australian-born lock Ben Grant is back on home soil after spending the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, preceded by two years with the San Diego Legion.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i of the Roosters is tackled by the Eels defence during the round 24 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels at Allianz Stadium, on August 16, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Joseph Suaalii is tackled. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Ins: Dan McKellar (coach, Leicester), Isaac Kailea (Rebels), Taniela Tupou (Rebels), Rob Leota (Rebels), Darby Lancaster (Rebels), Andrew Kellaway (Rebels), Joseph Suaalii (NRL), Ben Grant (Hurricanes), Angelo Smith (Rebels), Siosifa Amone (Force), Henry O’Donnell (Force), Ethan Dobbins (Rebels), Leafi Talataina (Rebels), Lawson Creighton (Reds).

Outs: Darren Coleman (coach), Harry Johnson-Holmes (Force), Jed Holloway (MLR), Ned Hanigan (Provence), Will Harrison (Kintetsu), Mosese Tuipulotu (Edinburgh), Harry Wilson (Dragons RFC), Lachie Swinton (Bordeaux), Izaia Perese (Leicester), Dylan Pietsch (Force), Mark Nawaqanitawase (NRL), Tom Ross (Nice), Archer Holz (Scarlets), Theo Fourie, Vuate Kurawalevu

2024 squad:

Props: Angus Bell, Archer Holz, Daniel Botha, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Tom Lambert, Tom Ross.

Hookers: Dave Porecki, Mahe Vailanu, Theo Fourie.

Locks: Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan.

Loose forwards: Charlie Gamble, Fergus Lee-Warner, Lachie Swinton, Langi Gleeson, Ned Slack-Smith.

Halfbacks: Jake Gordon, Jack Grant, Teddy Wilson.

Fly-halves: Tane Edmed, Jack Bowen, Will Harrison.

Midfielders: Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton.

Outside backs: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Dylan Pietsch, Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Vuate Karawalevu.

Queensland Reds

Club veteran James O’Connor has opted to leave for an opportunity overseas after five years with the club.

“These last five years a have been the highlight of my rugby career,” O’Connor said. “I’m so proud of where we have gotten to as a group. Although there’s been highs and lows the consistency, and just the love at this club, has been so incredible to be a part of.

“I’m departing Queensland a better player, leader and man, and I’m so grateful to have been able to play for this team, my home.

“The club couldn’t be in better hands. Les and the other coaches are easily the most cohesive group I have ever worked with and I’m thankful I got to be a part of it this year. I have no doubt that there’s a lot of success to come and I’ll be watching from abroad with deep gratitude. Thanks for everything Queensland. It’s been a dream come true.”

Queensland Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said: “James O’Connor has been a selfless leader in my time in Queensland, and personally I’m so pleased and grateful I had the chance to coach him this season, as are all of the coaching team.

“Whilst James encountered a challenging season that saw injury limit his ability to contribute on the field, he dedicated himself to improving the team in any way he could.

“His immense experience and willingness to share his experiences has played a pivotal role in the development of the Reds, most notably with our young flyhalves Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips. They’ll undoubtedly reflect positively on the time they were able to spend with him, fine-tuning their game and understanding the mental side of the playmakers’ role, and for that we’re indebted to James.

“We did make him an offer to stay and continue at the Reds and will be sad to see him go, but we respect the decision he and Bridget have made and wish them all the very best. I have no doubt James will return to give back to the Queensland Rugby community in coming years in some capacity, and that’s something we can all look forward to.”

The Reds have given their side an injection of class while being able to keep happy their existing stars. They are shaping to give the competition a decent tilt under Kiss. One to watch is Jordan Petaia, who is yet to commit his future for next season.

They did however lose flyhalf Lawson Creighton to the Tahs.

Creighton, 26, played 34 games for the Queensland Reds since his debut in 2021, including nine appearances in 2024.

“We would have loved Lawson to stay,” Kiss said.

“He has been an excellent and valued figure for the Reds over a number of seasons. We fully respect his decision.”

Ins: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Rebels), Filipo Daugunu (Rebels), Josh Canham (Rebels), Matt Gibbon (Rebels), Lachie Anderson (Rebels)

Outs: Peni Ravai (Drua), Cormac Daly (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Connor Anderson (Chugoku Red Regulions), Lawson Creighton (Waratahs).

2024 squad:

Props: Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Peni Ravai, Zane Nonggorr, George Blake, Massimo de Litiis, Sef Fa’agase

Hookers: Matt Faessler, Josh Nasser, Richie Asiata, Max Craig

Locks: Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Cormac Daly, Taine Roiri, Connor Vest

Loose forwards: Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Harry Wilson, Seru Uru, Joe Brial, John Bryant

Halfbacks: Tate McDermott, Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon

Fly-halves: Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lawson Creighton

Midfielders: James O’Connor, Hunter Paisami, Taj Annan, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Frankie Goldsbrough

Outside backs: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Floyd Aubrey, Mac Grealy, Tim Ryan

Western Force

The Force recruitment department has been flat out with a significant changing of the guard. Dylan Pietsch is set to become the latest player to head west, signing a reported multi-year deal despite reports Rugby Australia attempted to block the move.

The 26-year-old will serve as a valuable inclusion for the Force as they look to rapidly increase their depth, while also giving Pietsch significantly more chance of game time, given the influx of high profile talent into the Waratahs.

There will be a lot of interest in the performance of Nic Dolly, who won a cap for England but is a possible future Wallaby, having come from down under.

They added one-game All Black Matt Proctor to their backline stocks.

Proctor will join the Force after previous stints with the Melbourne Rebels (2024), Northampton Saints (2019-2023) and the Hurricanes (2013-2019) where he was part of their 2016 Super Rugby triumph.

The 31-year-old back played for the All Blacks in November 2018 against Japan, scoring on debut. He also notched 12 caps for the Maori All Blacks between 2013 and 2018.

The Force also promoted 2024 Rising Star winner Henry Robertson to a full Super Rugby contract with the club on a two-year deal. He will replace Ian Prior in the scrum half stocks.

The 24-year-old half-back had joined the Force in 2023, getting gametime in the Toyota Challenge against the Cheetahs, before playing two games on an injury cover contract in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Robertson previously played six Super Rugby games for the NSW Waratahs, having originally hailed from Shute Shield outfit Sydney University.

Nic Dolly (Photo by Dan Mullan – RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Ins: Harry Johnson-Holmes (Waratahs), Josh Thompson (West Harbour), Vaiolini Ekuasi (Rebels),  Divad Palu (Rebels), Nick Champion de Crespigny (Castres), Nic Dolly (Leicester), Darcy Swain (Brumbies), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Montpellier), Tom Robertson (Oxford), Matt Proctor (Rebels), Dylan Pietsch (Waratahs), Henry Robertson.

Outs: Santiago Medrano (Vannes), Izack Rodda (Provence), Tim Anstee, Chase Tiatia, Ryan Coxon (Tasman Makos), Ben Funnell, Taqele Naiyaravoro (Narbonne), Ian Prior, Michael Wells (retired), Sam Spink (Saracens), Feleti Kaitu’u, Nikolai Foliaki, Siosifa Amone (Waratahs), Angus Wagner, Ollie Callan, Charlie Hancock

2024 squad:

Props: Atu Moli, Santiago Medrano, Angus Wagner, Harry Hoopert, Marley Pearce, Charles Hancock, Siosifa Amone

Hookers: Tom Horton, Feleti Kaitu’u

Locks: Izack Rodda, Jeremy Williams, Felix Kalapu, Lopeti Faifua

Loose forwards: Michael Wells, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Carlo Tizzano, Jackson Pugh, Will Harris, Papillon Sevele

Halfbacks: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Nic White, Ian Prior

Fly-halves: Reesjan Pasitoa, Max Burey, Campbell Parata

Midfielders: Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Henry O’Donnell, Bayley Kuenzle, Nikolai Foliaki, Ollie Cummins

Outside backs: Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Chase Tiatia, George Poolman

Blues

Beauden Barrett returns from a season in Japan and is joined by exciting flyhalf prospect Payton Spencer, the son of All Blacks great Carlos Spencer. Payton was previously contracted to the NZ Sevens program. The club has also signed a Sevens team mate of Spencer’s – Che Clark.

Ins: Beauden Barrett (Toyota Verblitz), Payton Spencer (Auckland), Che Clark (Sevens)

Outs: Soane Vikena (Highlanders), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders), Akira Ioane (Japan TBC), Rob Rush, Corey Evans,

2024 squad:

Props: Joshua Fusitua, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, PJ Sheck, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi

Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, Soane Vikena

Locks: Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Laghlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Patrick Tuipulotu

Loose forwards: Adrian Choat, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Rob Rush, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki

First-fives: Stephen Perofeta, Lucas Cashmore

Midfielders: Corey Evans, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Plummer

Outside backs: Kade Banks, Caleb Clarke, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Telea

Chiefs

Ins: Leroy Carter (NZ Sevens), Josh Jacomb (promoted)

Outs: Josh Ioane (Connacht)

2024 squad:

Props: Sione Ahio, George Dyer, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Jared Proffit, Aidan Ross

Hookers: Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrone Thompson

Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Jimmy Tupou

Loose forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Tom Florence, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Malachi Wrampling-Alec

Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi

Fly-halves: Josh Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask

Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling

Outside backs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Peniasi Malimali, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Crusaders

Ins:

Outs: Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Fergus Burke (Saracens), Quentin MacDonald (Tasman), Jone Rova (Canterbury), Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)

2024 squad:

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Brodie McAlister, George Bell, Ioane Moananu

Props: Joe Moody, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell

Locks: Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Tahlor Cahill, Zach Gallagher, Jamie Hannah

Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner

Halfbacks: Noah Hotham, Mitchell Drummond, Willi Heinz

First fives: Fergus Burke, Taha Kemara, Rivez Reihana

Midfielders: David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Ryan Crotty, Jone Rova

Outside backs: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Macca Springer, Manasa Mataele, Chay Fihaki, Leigh Halfpenny, Heremaia Murray

Fijian Drua

Ins: Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92), Peni Ravai (Reds), Joseva Tamani (Colomiers),

Outs:

2024 squad:

Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereti Hetet, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Meli Tuni

Hookers: Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ikanivere, Zuriel Togiatama

Locks: Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Te Cirikidaveta

Loose forwards: Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira

Halfbacks: Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli

Fly-halves: Kemu Valentini, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Caleb Muntz

Midfielders: Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Michael Naitokani, Waqa Nalaga

Outside backs: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Taniela Rakuro, Epeli Momo

Utility: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

Highlanders

Ins: Finn Hurley (promoted), Soane Vikena (Blues), Caleb Tangitau (Blues), Veveni Lasaqa (Hurricanes)

Outs: Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Pari Pari Parkinson (Green Rockets), Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Rhys Patchell (Green Rockets), Josh Timu (Otago), Martin Bodago (Oyonnax), Connor Garden-Bachop (deceased)

2024 squad:

Props: Jermaine Ainsley, Ethan de Groot, Luca Inch, Ayden Johnstone, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u

Hookers: Henry Bell, Ricky Jackson, Jack Taylor

Locks: Mitchell Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Pari Pari Parkinson, Will Tucker

Loose forwards: Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Billy Harmon, Max Hicks, Hayden Michaels, Hugh Renton, Tom Sanders, Sean Withy

Halfbacks: James Arscott, Folau Fakatava, Nathan Hastie

Fly-halves: Ajay Faleafaga, Cameron Millar, Rhys Patchell

Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Josh Timu, Matt Whaanga

Outside backs: Martin Bogado, Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Jonah Lowe, Jona Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai

Hurricanes

Ins: Tom Allen (promoted), Jordi VIljoen (promoted), Zach Gallagher (Crusaders), TK Howden (Manawatu)

Outs:  TJ Perenara (Black Rams Tokyo), Justin Sangster (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Josh Moorby (Montpellier), Aidan Morgan (Ulster), Veveni Lasaqa (Highlanders), Jordie Barrett (Leinster), Salesi Rayasi (Vannes), Ben Grant (Waratahs)

2024 squad:

Props: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, James O’Reilly

Locks: Caleb Delany, Ben Grant, Justin Sangster, Josh Taula, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere

Loose forwards: Devan Flanders, TK Howden, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields

Halfbacks: Richard Judd, TJ Perenara, Cam Roigard

Fly-halves: Brett Cameron, Aidan Morgan

Midfield: Jordie Barrett, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen

Outside backs: Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Ngatungane Punivai, Salesi Rayasi, Daniel Sinkinson

Moana Pasifika

The big signing is the addition of All Blacks super star Ardie Savea who should give the team a massive boost. They also added former Rebels and Hurricanes flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop who arrives after a season in France.

Wallabies prop Pone Fa’amausili, who fell out of favour with the Rebels last season and was drafted into the Waratahs as an injury replacement, has signed a one-year deal.

Ins: Ardie Savea (Kobe Steelers), Melani Matavao (promoted), Tuna Tuitama (promoted), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry), Jackson Garden-Bachop (CA Brive), Pone Fa’amausili (Rebels)

Outs: Sekope Kepu (retired), Tevita Langi (North Harbour), Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Henry Taefu (Red Hurricanes), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers)

2024 squad:

Props: Abraham Pole, Donald Brighthouse, James Lay, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Suetena Asomua.

Hookers: Samiueka Moli, Sama Malolo, Tomasi Maka.

Locks: Irie Papuni, Ofa Tauatevalu, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Viliami Napa’a.

Loose forwards: Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Miracle Faiilagi, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Solomone Funaki.

Halfbacks: Aisea Halo, Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.

Fly-halves: Christian Lealiifano, William Havili.

Midfielders: D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi, Henry Taefu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo.

Outside backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Danny Toala, Julian Savea, Neria Fomai, Nigel Ah Wong, Otumaka Mausia, Viliami Fine.

The Rebels exits

Lachie Anderson (Reds), Josh Canham (Reds), Filipo Daugunu (Reds), Vaiolini Ekuasi (Force), Pone Fa’amausili (Moana Pasifika), David Feliaui (Brumbies), Matt Gibbon (Reds), Carter Gordon (NRL), Isaac Kailea (Waratahs), Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs), Josh Kemeny (Northampton), Darby Lancaster (Waratahs), Rob Leota (Waratahs), Ryan Louwrens (Montpellier), Alex Mafi (Tokyo Sungoliath), Jack Maunder (Agen), Divad Palu (Force), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Reds), Angelo Smith (Waratahs), Sam Talakai (Glasgow), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Brumbies), Taniela Tupou (Waratahs), Jordan Uelese (Montpellier), Ethan Dobbins (Waratahs), Leafi Talataina (Waratahs), Matt Proctor (Force).

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