OUTSIDE the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, eleven players with Fijian links are set to feature in the opening round of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, with the majority playing for the Crusaders and Highlanders teams.
In the Crusaders’ starting line-up, Noah Hotham starts at scrumhalf, with Sevu Reece on the right wing, Chay Fihaki at fullback, and George Bower set to begin the new season on the bench.
This season will be Reece’s final campaign for the Canterbury franchise before he joins French Top 14 club Perpignan.
As the current top try-scorer in the competition with 66 tries, the Kadavu native will be hoping to extend his lead this season, further cementing his status as the competition’s leading finisher.
The defending champions will kick off their title defence against the Highlanders, who also boast a strong contingent of Fijian talent.
In the Highlanders’ line-up, the elusive Jona Nareki starts at left wing, powerful runner Timoci Tavatavanawai is at inside centre, with the mercurial fullback Jacob Ratumatavuki-Kneepkins completing the starting XV.
Promising openside flanker Veveni Lasaqa is expected to make an impact off the bench as the Highlanders aim to topple last year’s champions in their opening match.
In the Auckland Blues team, Hoskins Sotutu retains his number eight position.
The former All Blacks back-rower will be looking to start his final season with a victory against the Gallagher Chiefs.
The former Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year will join English Premiership club Newcastle Falcons at the conclusion of the 2026 season, marking an exciting new chapter in his rugby career.
Galoa Kadavu villager Rob Valetini will start at blindside flanker for the ACT Brumbies—a proud moment for the Valetini family, with older brother Kemu Valetini also securing a starting role at fly-half for the Fijian Drua.
The Brumbies will begin their 2026 campaign against the Western Force.
Dynamic forward Seru Uru is the sole player with Fijian links in the Queensland Reds team and is set to provide impact from the bench in their match against the Waratahs.
Former Flying Fijians fly-half Ben Volavola and Wallabies utility back Filipo Daugunu were both ruled out of the Reds’ matchday 23.
The 2026 Super Rugby season will kick off in Dunedin, where the defending champions Crusaders travel to face the Highlanders on Friday, February 13, at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
