The 2025 edition of Super Rugby Pacific gets underway this weekend, here are five players set for big campaigns.
Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs)
The 27-year-old Tongan-born Taukei’aho burst onto the international scene a few seasons back, topping the 2022 Rugby Championship try-scoring charts with five touchdowns in what looked to be the beginning of a fine Test career. Unfortunately though, his progress has stalled somewhat since then, with a calf injury sustained in last year’s semi-final meaning the hooker missed out on Scotty Robertson’s first season at the ABs’ helm. While he is still set to be sidelined for the opening rounds of the 2025 Super season, expect fireworks when the powerhouse finally returns to the pitch as he looks to help make the Chiefs champions.
Has a forward ever been the All Blacks' leading try-scorer in a calendar year? Samisoni Taukei'aho has 7 in 2022; the next best is 5 from Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea, with only one test left. pic.twitter.com/CPGlN45VoC
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) November 13, 2022
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes)
The No 9 berth at the All Blacks is up for grabs following TJ Perenara’s retirement, and there will is no shortage of potential successors. While Cortez Ratima certainly looked good when he got his chance in the black jersey last year, Roigard’s return to the fold during the Autum Nations Series was met with thunderous applause down in NZ. The Canes man ruptured his patella against the Highlanders in Dunedin in March which saw him miss the majority of last season, and that setback should make him even hungrier to return to the form he showed in 2023 and lock down that starting spot at national level for good.
Just take a look at the below passage of play if you’ve yet to see the dynamo in action. Class.
Best Scrum half in the world Cam Roigard giving the fans the taste of what’s coming in @SuperRugby 2025 in their Pre-season game vs Blues.#SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/3tKiyOb1xx
— Chalyn.Rugby (@ChalynRugby) February 7, 2025
Noah Lolesio (Brumbies)
Lolesio blew hot and cold last year and will be out to put more consistency into his game this term, particularly against the New Zealand franchises. The flyhalf finished the 2024 edition of Super Rugby Pacific second on the overall points scorers list which went some way in helping steer Stephen Larkham’s boys into the last four as the only Aussie representative. With the Canberra side as ambitious as ever in 2025 though, and with the British & Irish Lions on the horizon, Lolesio will be aiming to go up a level in the months ahead.
Elite counter-attack 👌
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 7, 2023
Tom Wright and Noah Lolesio combine for a stunner!#REBvBRU #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/4afN3dPO71
Len Ikitau (Brumbies)
Ikitau is pretty much universally accepted as a quality Test player, but this season should be his biggest yet given all that’s on the line for both club and country. More will be expected of the Brumbies in 2025 and senior players like Ikitau simply have to go up a gear if they are to finally break the Kiwi stranglehold on the competition. Ikitau’s defensive acumen and overall rugby IQ will be central in that regard.
First points on the board thanks to Len Ikitau 💪
— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 15, 2023
📺 @StanSportAU @channel9 @9gem#AUSvARG #Wallabies pic.twitter.com/uQxuediP89
Joseph Sua’ali’i (Waratahs)
The easiest name on this list, Sua’ali’i’s displays for the Wallabies in Europe at the end of last year were sublime considering the 21-year-old is yet to debut at franchise level. He is arguably the most exciting Super Rugby signing in ages and the more minutes he gets in the 15-man code the better for Joe Schmidt and the Wallabies, who could do worse than field a centre combination of Sua’ali’i and Ikitau. First up though for the rugby league convert will be to help his new ‘Tahs teammates improve on their last-place Super Rugby finish in 2024.
Great finish from Tom Wright but this one is all about the Joseph Sua'ali'i offload 🔥#ENGvAUS | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/OJIyeU7ZWq
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 9, 2024
