Super Rugby Pacific has always been a crucible to prepare stars for the intensity of the test arena, but the 2026 season is set to be an important year for many players across the competition. Across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, a mix of proven Test performers, returning prodigies and explosive young weapons are lining up to have a breakout season.
Super Rugby Pacific has always been a crucible to prepare stars for the intensity of the test arena, but the 2026 season is set to be an important year for many players across the competition. Across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, a mix of proven Test performers, returning prodigies and explosive young weapons are lining up to have a breakout season.
These players are set to unleash carnage, including rejuvenated Wallaby hopefuls, the next cabs off the rank for the All Blacks and X-factor emerging from the Drua.
Former All Blacks star Laumape’s return to Super Rugby Pacific was one of the headlines over the off-season. He has spent a long time away in Japan, but this season will prove that Laumape is still one of the most destructive centres in the game. Few midfielders in the competition possess his blend of power and footwork. His presence alone changes the way defences have to line up and makes Moana Pasifika a better team following the departure of Ardie Savea.
Laumape has a unique ability to generate momentum from nothing, dominating collisions and distributing cleanly when defenders overcommit. What’s more, the move back to Super Rugby Pacific could mean he has the opportunity to line up for Tonga in the Nations Cup.
Edmed’s move to the Brumbies could be the defining decision of his career. Playing under Stephen Larkham, one of Australia’s greatest playmakers, will invigorate Edmed’s career. The Brumbies system has a knack for taking raw talent and moulding them into test-ready players. Off the back of his Wallabies season, he enters the season with the confidence of a fly-half who now has a better understanding of his game.
The Brumbies will use him as on-field general, capable of steering sides around the park, and the Brumbies gameplay will provide much-needed structure which Edmed thrives in. Edmed’s strength lies in his decision-making. He plays what is in front of him, is an excellent ball distributor and has developed the kicking game needed to dictate territory. If he strings together consistent performances, he will be firmly in the conversation as Australia’s most reliable playmakers.
Kyren Taumoefolau is the type of outside back who can produce exhilarating moments and turn a game on its head. His highlight reel for Moana Pasifika is littered with bamboozing side-steps and full-length tries. His move to the Chiefs this season sparked controversy, but joining a title-contender will do wonders for his career. His acceleration, footwork and willingness to take defenders on make him a nightmare in broken play, particularly against tired forwards caught in wide channels.
Having already debuted for Tonga, this season with the Chiefs will give him the opportunity to improve his defensive reads and work rate and prove he is not just a finisher. Give him space and he will punish teams. Give him responsibility and he looks ready to thrive.
Carter Gordon’s return to Super Rugby Pacific is one of the most intriguing propositions in Australian rugby. Blessed with natural flair and confidence, Gordon plays with a tempo that will challenge defences and his ball-playing is incredible. He will have competition at the Queensland Reds. They also have Tom Lynagh, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Ben Volavola in the playmaker position, but Gordon is the future of the Wallabies in the number 10.
His ceiling is undeniably high, and with a settled role and confidence from his coaching staff, he has the tools to become one of the competition’s most watchable fly-halves. When Gordon is in rhythm, entire backlines seem to move faster around him.
Expect Caleb Tangitau to have a breakout year in 2026 with the Highlanders. He was on the cusp last year, after scoring six tries in seven matches before a groin injury ended his season. He is one of the most exciting young outside backs in the competition. He blends pace with balance and has an instinctive feel for finding space, particularly on kick returns and counter-attacks.
He is expected to make the wing spot his own, and that confidence will see Tangitau could become one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most dangerous strike weapons. If he continues to develop physically, he will be on the All Blacks radar in no time.
Following in a long line of Fijian Drua outside backs that produce outstanding seasons seemingly from nowhere, Ponipate Loganimasi is set to be in the spotlight of clubs from around the world with another head-turning season. Even in Super Rugby Pacific last year, he showcased his ability to create something from nothing. Loganimasi brings chaos in the best possible way.
His Sevens background allows him to attack space with intent, beat defenders one-on-one and use his speed to slice through gaps. If he finds the right balance, he has the potential to light up the competition on a weekly basis.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii possesses all the traits to be one of the best players in the world. His athleticism, aerial ability and presence under the high ball already set him apart, but after a quiet Wallabies season where he was used as an outside centre, 2026 with the Waratahs is set to be an important year for Suaalii. He is still in a state of transition, playing fullback for Waratahs before moving into 13 for the Wallabies.
Suaalii’s upside is enormous. As his defensive positioning and game awareness sharpen, his natural gifts will become even more influential. Few players attract attention like Suaalii, and this season he needs to establish himself as a Super Rugby Pacific star.
The move to the Western Force will place Perth-born Nathan hastie firmly in the sights of the Wallabies. He has a chance to make the number 9 his own with the retirement of Nic White and the departure of Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
In his time with the Highlanders and Otago he has developed into a halfback who understands tempo and control. Hastie’s value lies in his reliability. He is sharp around the ruck, accurate with his pass and increasingly confident directing traffic in high-pressure moments. In a competition where quick ball is king, Hastie’s abilities will come to the fore this season.
Powerful in contact, relentless at the breakdown and surprisingly skilful in open play, Lakai is built for Super Rugby Pacific. After a breakout year with Hurricanes, his sophomore year didn’t quite reach the heights of his star-making debut. He is still very much in the frame for the All Blacks, but he will need to reproduce his Super Rugby Pacific heroics to force his way back into contention in a congested backrow.
What stands out is his work rate. Lakai consistently finds himself involved in key moments on both sides of the ball, and that kind of presence can swing tight contests. By all indications he is back fully fit and ready, and he is poised to return to his physical and dominating best.