Nearly 40 debutants reshape Super Rugby Aupiki rosters as 2026 season kicks off

Close to 40 debutants will take the field across Super Rugby Aupiki’s opening round of 2026, with all four clubs naming heavily reshaped matchday 23s for matches at Eden Park and One New Zealand Stadium.

The Gillies Group Hurricanes Poua, who finished the 2025 season without a win, have undergone the most dramatic overhaul. More than half of their round-one squad are new to the group, including Black Ferns Renee Holmes and Ona Palu, named to start at fly-half and tighthead prop respectively as they travel to Auckland to face the back-to-back defending champions.

“There is genuine edge about the group this week ahead of the toughest task for any Aupiki team this season,” head coach Hayden Triggs said. “Playing the two-time champions, filled with Black Ferns on their home turf, is an assignment that we have been preparing for since the draw was announced. Picking a team that balances experience with the exciting debutants was challenging, but we believe we have the right mix to execute our preparation and our plan.”

The Poua head into the fixture without Ella Henderson (concussion), Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (back), and Chryss Viliko (knee).

The Blues, meanwhile, begin their bid for a historic three-peat at Eden Park with several new faces in tow. Teenage blindside flanker Amarante Sititi — described as having Test stardom in her veins — has been named straight into the starting XV, alongside fellow rising star Taufa Bason and milestone woman Liana Mikaele-Tu’u in the loose forwards. Established Black Ferns Mererangi Paul and Hazel Tubic will make their club debuts, joined by Sariyah Paitai, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Danny-Elle Fesolai, and Ffion Penney.

In Christchurch, the Chiefs Manawa face Matatu with 12 debutants in their squad and a new playmaker at the helm. Former Wallaroo fly-half Carys Dallinger has been named at No.10, while captain Kennedy Tukuafu leads a forward pack containing four Black Ferns. The squad also carries an international flavour beyond New Zealand, with Fiji lock Jade Coates and Canada international Shoshanah Seumanutafa named to start in the backline.