Super Rugby Pacific squads named as Crusaders welcome back Richie Mo'unga

A new-look Crusaders set-up stood out on Wednesday 28 October, when the 10 Super Rugby Pacific teams named their squads for 2027. New head coach Scott Hansen has 16 All Blacks to call on, and first-five Richie Mo'unga is back with the side after his stint in Japan.

Hansen, who was an All Blacks assistant coach before this, takes over a squad with one gap to fill early on. French prop Clément Castets comes in to cover for All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams and will stay until Williams can be picked.

The new coach was upbeat about the group he has. "We are all really excited about our squad and what we can all achieve together," Hansen said, before adding: "Our challenge now is to bring that together."

New Zealand rivals line up

The Crusaders were one of five clubs from New Zealand to unveil their squads. The Hurricanes start the season as defending champions. The Chiefs have been runners-up in each of the last four seasons, and they have named a squad that includes 15 All Blacks.

Australian sides in a World Cup year

Across the Tasman, the Australian sides have their squads in place for a season played in the same year their country hosts the Rugby World Cup.

The NSW Waratahs are back under Michael Cheika, who returns as head coach, and prop Angus Bell is available again after a sabbatical with Ulster. The Western Force have named 34 players, and James O'Connor is among the new faces.

The Brumbies have 15 Wallabies in their squad. At the same club, prop Allan Alaalatoa needs two more games to reach Ben Alexander's club record of 154.