Well, guess what time it is again?
Super Rugby Pacific is set to return for its fourth season, and 30th season overall in 2025, and with one team less and fewer finals positions up for grabs, it feels like the competition has only gotten harder.
To celebrate the return of the competition, The Roar, once again, will count down the 50 players who we think are set to have a significant impact this year, based on previous form, talent, and the potential impact they can have on their team’s season, and more.
Quick disclaimer: if a player is confirmed to miss nearly all of the Super Rugby season – like Wallace Sititi, for example – we have omitted them from this list, even if they would likely place based on form.
Agree or disagree with the list? Let us know in the comments who you think will have a big year in the Southern Hemisphere.
Hunter Paisami. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
50. Hunter Paisami – Queensland Reds
It’s amazing to think that despite improved form last year, Paisami has fallen down the rankings of Wallaby centre options. Should Les Kiss’ side live up to the promise shown, he will likely be one of the major benefactors to get back into the Wallaby frame.
49. Charlie Cale – ACT Brumbies
The Brumbies have started to get a factory going of brilliant loosehead options – and Charlie Cale is one of them. Featured as one of our most improved players at the end of last season, you know you’ve made an impression when Rob Valetini has to be moved around to get you in the side – and Allan Alaalatoa picks you as his breakout player for the season.
48. Dylan Pietsch – Western Force
Part of a large contingent of players who have made the journey across the Nullarbor, Dylan Pietsch will likely thrive out west. The Force has been crying out for a winger with his attacking skillset – and the young Wallaby should be put to work quickly in the starting side.
47. Fabian Holland – Highlanders
Holland by name, and by nationality. Last season saw the Highlanders’ next generation step up, and this exciting lock was the standout of the bunch. With the Dunedin franchise having one of the youngest sides – and the least amount of international experience – they’ll be leaning on his talents harder than ever.
46. Selestino Ravutaumada – Fijian Drua
One of the biggest stars in Fijian rugby and a brutal back three player, few things are more terrifying than seeing Ravutaumada, on the Lautokan turf, coming towards you with a full head of steam. A foundational player who has made the Drua one of the competition’s most beloved franchises.
45. Jake Gordon – NSW Waratahs
The incumbent Wallaby half-back is a divisive figure – as halves players frequently are. But as one of the shining stars in a dour 2024 season, much of the Tahs’ planned resurgence will likely rest on the shoulders of their captain this year – and if he continues that form, the side is in a much better position to take advantage.
Liam Wright. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for ARU)
44. Liam Wright – Queensland Reds
The co-captain of the Reds has some points to prove in 2025. Finally, back from injury, Wright will be fighting to get back in contention for the Wallabies loose forwards – a position with more competition than any other – and he’s expected to lead one of the most dangerous Reds’ sides in years up the ladder.
43. Tim Ryan – Queensland Reds
Another player in our most improved list last year, the Junkyard Dog has the potential to become one of Australia’s most exciting attacking weapons in 2025. When you leave an All Black like Mark Tele’a in your wake, you’ve got the chops to go higher.
42. Samisoni Taukei’aho – Chiefs
Finishing in our top ten last year, Taukei’aho has dropped down the rankings due to injury, which has seen him not make the All Blacks since the 2023 World Cup final – with Asafo Aumua slotting in as Razor’s second option. Here’s hoping the big man can get more game time in 2025.
41. Noah Lolesio – ACT Brumbies
Whether you like him or not, Noah Lolesio had a much improved 2024 – especially in gold to complement a strong season in Super Rugby. He finished with an 87 per cent kicking record and was the second-highest point scorer in the competition. With the Lions coming in 2025, there will be more pressure on him than ever.
Sevu Reece. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
40. Sevu Reece – Crusaders
Scoring a mammoth 12 tries last season – the equal highest of the competition – why Reece has fallen down the pecking order? Truth be told a combination of several exciting new talents emerging, plus his job being made a lot harder with a Crusaders side going backwards contributed, but should the Crusaders bounce back this season, expect Reece to be a major reason behind why that’s the case.
39. Ofa Tu’ungafasi – Blues
He might have nearly 150 caps to his name at the Blues, but Ofa Tu’ungafasi is not slowing down. Now a Super Rugby winner, he was a major reason for the Blues go-forward at scrum time. Expect this 68-capped All Black to have just as big a year.
38. Ruben Love – Hurricanes
At the other end of the spectrum is young gun fullback Ruben Love, who enjoyed a big year in 2024 as the Canes’ form improved under Clark Laidlaw. With an All Black cap now under his belt, Love will likely be the first-choice fullback option in Wellington – and they will need a big year from him to break their premiership drought.
37. Anton Lienert-Brown – Chiefs
A key part of the Chiefs backline and featuring in our top 20 last year, the only reason he’s dropped down the list is, like Reece, the form of other players – with, oddly enough, many being his teammates. A heavily decorated All Black, the only thing he is missing in his trophy cabinet is that elusive Super Rugby trophy.
36. Codie Taylor – Crusaders
The Crusaders may have had a shocker in 2024, but even then, they couldn’t be fully counted out in the final week of the season – and a major part of that was the return of the first choice All Black hooker, Codie Taylor. He’ll be a major part of their campaign in 2025, such is the influence he holds.
35. Quinn Tupaea – Chiefs
It says a lot about the quality of the Chiefs’ backline that Quinn Tupaea is one of the less celebrated weapons in the side. While his form saw him relegated to the All Blacks XV side, the clear attacking options he provides in the centres take the pressure off the likes of Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown.
34. Meli Derenalagi – Fijian Drua
One of the key areas the Drua needed to improve is their set piece, which advanced in leaps and bounds in 2024. While national captain Tevita Ikanivere also deserves credit for leading up front, Drua skipper Meli Derenalagi has become one of the most valuable players in the Fijian side – and expect him to only continue developing this year.
Jeremy Williams. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
33. Jeremy Williams – Western Force
One of the breakout Wallaby performers in 2024, the move West has been ideal for Jeremy Williams. Now captain of the Force, his form at the lineout and the set piece has made him one of the most dangerous locks in Australia – and a likely front-runner for the Lions tour. Expect the Force’s setpiece to improve significantly off his form in gold.
32. Mark Tele’a – Blues
Scoring nine tries in the 2024 season, Mark Tele’a served as a valuable running mate with his fellow Blues winger, Caleb Clarke. It gives a sense of the strength of the Blues’ form that, despite maintaining strong form, several of Tele’a’s teammates have shot above him in the rankings.
31. Ethan de Groot – Highlanders
One of the most important current All Blacks, Ethan de Groot has been one of the powerhouses of the Kiwi scrum – and one of the most important players in the Highlanders set-up. The prop is set to have a massive season as the South Island franchise looks to chase a finals placing – which will see them in tough competition.
30. Corey Toole – ACT Brumbies
As one of the stand-out Australian players during the 2024 season, the question frequently has arisen as to what else Corey Toole needs to do to get into the Wallaby squad. While the winger boasts Australia XV honours to his name, keep scoring eight or more tries like 2024 and he’ll be on the right track.
Patrick Tuipulotu. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
29. Patrick Tuipulotu – Blues
The inspiring Blues captain who led his side to a drought-breaking title, Patrick Tuipulotu enjoyed a breakout year in both Super Rugby and for the All Blacks. Something is telling us he’s only getting started.
28. Folau Fakatava – Highlanders
If Ethan de Groot is one of the most critical players for the Highlanders set piece, Folau Fakatava is the player who lights up their attack. Enjoying a strong season last year combined with Welsh star Rhys Pratchell, Fakatava will have his work cut out – especially against the other All Black halfbacks.
27. Ethan Blackadder – Crusaders
It was a year of missed opportunities for the Crusaders in 2024, and at a Super Rugby level, it was certainly the case for Ethan Blackadder. But, he’s on the list for a reason – and remains one of the most dangerous players in Christchurch.
Tamaiti Williams. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
26. Tamaiti Williams – Crusaders
When Tamaiti Williams limped off the ground in round one against the Chiefs, it set the stage for the whole season for the Crusaders. His influence at the set piece, particularly the scrum, was seriously missed for the 12-time champions, so much so that when he came back, his effect on the side was instant. Imagine what he could do with a full season.
Check back tomorrow for the 25-1 countdown.
