10 of the best transfer signings for Super Rugby Pacific 2025

Every year there are players that have a change of scenery across New Zealand Super Rugby teams in search of more playing time and the chance to establish their careers.

Last year saw Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens move from the Blues to the Highlanders and successfully breakout as one of the competition’s stars.

Here are the best 10 transfer signings that may have their former clubs regretting seeing them leave.

Ardie Savea (No 8, Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika)

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Ardie Savea, 2023 World Player of the Year, will have a big impact on Moana Pasifika and is the frontrunner to be the transfer of the year after leaving the Hurricanes after 11 years in the Capital. The Hurricanes were already without Savea in 2024 as he completed a sabbatical in Japan with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, so 2025 won’t feel any different. They fared very well with the emergence of Peter Lakai and Braydon Iose, but there is no denying Savea’s ability.

Zach Gallagher (Lock, Crusaders to Hurricanes)

The Hurricanes have struggled to develop and recruit top-tier locks that become established All Blacks. The signing of Zach Gallagher from the Crusaders is an intriguing one as he might become one. The 23-year-old is a former New Zealand schools captain with leadership pedigree. Gallagher has been signed along with Will Tucker from the Highlanders to bolster the second row.

TK Howden (Blindside, Hurricanes to Highlanders)

The Highlanders built their backline last year and have gone about rebuilding the pack by picking up two Canes’ loosies with a smart piece of business for 2025. TK Howden looked good in his limited starts for the Canes but a crowded positional group made minutes tough. He produced the fourth most tackles in the NPC for the Turbos in 2024. He’s packed up and headed to Dunedin where the loose forwards have just two players over 24 years old. A lot of young players will compete for starting spots including Howden.

Vevini Lasaqa (Openside, Hurricanes to Highlanders)

Lasaqa comes south in a package deal with Howden as he looks for more time at openside. The emergence of Peter Lakai meant Lasaqa needed to look elsewhere to establish himself at Super level after just one appearance for the club. A hard-hitting Fijian, Lasaqa could very quickly become the Highlanders’ openside.

Lucas Cashmore (First five, Blues to Hurricanes)

After a long-term injury to Brett Cameron and to Ruben Love, the departure of Aidan Morgan to Ulster, the Hurricanes were in need of some first fives. They have picked up Lucas Cashmore, nephew of former Blues fullback Adrian, in what could be a savvy signing. The pivot took the unusual road to the pros after leaving high school early during the Covid years, but has built plenty of NPC experience with the Steamers. After sitting on the Blues roster last year, he’s been lured down to Wellington where he will compete with Harry Godfrey for the No 10 jersey.

Kyle Preston (Halfback, Wellington to Crusaders)

Preston hasn’t featured on a Super team before, but the Wellington local has come through the Hurricanes feeder province. As a youth player at a small school, Preston didn’t get much recognition despite topping the charts in fitness drills. He has fought his way through to NPC level before winning a premiership with the Lions. The Crusaders have snapped up a player coming into his prime at 25 and the Hurricanes may regret sleeping on Preston too long.

Aki Tuivailala (Centre, Chiefs to Crusaders)

The Hamilton Boys product just graduated from the New Zealand U20s in 2024 and remains one of the top midfield prospects in the country. That’s why it is a surprise to see the Chiefs lose one from their own backyard so quickly. The Crusaders won’t be so easy for Tuivailala to play with high-profile recruit Levi Aumua the centre piece of the midfield, All Blacks Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor and new captain David Havili in the mix.

Kade Banks (Fullback, Blues to Hurricanes)

One of the standouts of the NPC, North Harbour’s Kade Banks topped the charts in tries scored, was fourth in line breaks, and second in defenders beaten as one of the hardest players to tackle. After five seasons with Harbour, Banks had one game for the Blues last year. The Hurricanes have signed the promising fullback and he could see time in the 15 jersey if Ruben Love is used as a No 10. It will be interesting to see how he fits into the rotation with Harry Godfrey sure to feature prominently as well.

Fehi Fineanganofo (Centre, NZ Sevens to Hurricanes)

The last two transfers on the list come from the sevens programme which has seen a post-Olympics exodus to the squad. Fineanganofo was one of the most destructive runners on the World Series circuit on his day and brings intrigue to Super Rugby. He could be a boom prospect in the 15s game out wide on the wing, but has played most of his 15s at centre.

Leroy Carter (Winger, NZ Sevens to Chiefs)

The Bay of Plenty product has come back to 15s for a stint with the Chiefs. With Shaun Stevenson departing, there might be room for Carter to start with Etene Nanai-Seturo and Emoni Narawa in the mix. Carter really developed his frame with the NZ Sevens programme and started to really make waves a couple of years ago. Now 25, Carter has lots of experience to bring back to the Chiefs.