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One breakout player from each NZ Super Rugby Pacific team for 2025

Leroy Carter and Caleb Tangitau. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images and Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

It’s that time of the year, when Super Rugby Teams are underway putting the hard yards in during pre-season, gearing up for what will be another competitive season.

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In 2024, Super Rugby fans were treated to many breakthrough players from the New Zealand franchises. We saw Chiefs loose forward Wallace Sititi go from unknown, to World Rugby Breakthrough 15’s Men’s Player of the Year. Hurricanes props Xavier Numia and Pasilio Tosi burst onto the scene, putting themselves in All Blacks contention.

Who will it be in 2025? 

Here’s one breakthrough player from each NZ Super Rugby franchise for 2025.

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Chiefs: Leroy Carter (Winger)

The former New Zealand sevens player had a standout year for the Bay of Plenty Steamers in the Bunnings NPC competition. 

If the reports and rumours are true, Shaun Stevenson will be moving to Japan, leaving his NZ contract a year early in search of foreign opportunities. When one door closes, one door opens, and this could be just the opportunity Leroy Carter needs to push himself for higher honours. 

Carter has blistering pace, a strong fend, and smartness around the field that makes him a perfect asset for Clayton McMillan’s side in 2025. 

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His fitness from sevens and finishing ability showcased in the 2024 Bunnings NPC season, promise to bring a slightly different proposition to the power game of Etene Nanai-Seturo and Emoni Narawa respectively.

Honourable mention: Malachi Wrampling (Loose forward)

Blues: Che Clark (Loose forward)

Another former New Zealand sevens player on this list, Clark was a schoolboy star out of King’s College and has always been in and around professional squads, playing in the New Zealand U20s in 2023. 

The barnstorming loose forward has the game style perfectly suited for Vern Cotter and the Blues. Clark’s ball carrying ability and power with ball-in-hand is his major strength, which will be music to the ears of hard-nosed Blues head coach Vern Cotter. 

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Akira Ioane has moved on to Japan, creating space for a strong, tall, powerful blindside flanker for the Blues this season. There’s a possibility Anton Segner will play, but he has a completely different play style from the one we saw the Blues implement last season in their title-winning run. If Clark can make a jump this year, the Blues pack might become an even bigger worry for opposition teams.

Honourable mention: Payton Spencer (Utility Back)

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Hurricanes: Lucas Cashmore (First five)

The Hurricanes needed a first five for the 2025 season, and they definitely got one that’s on the rise. 

Son of former Bay of Plenty halfback Blair Cashmore, and nephew to All Black fullback Adrian Cashmore. The genes are there, and Cashmore is paving his own path at the Bay of Plenty Steamers where he was impressive in a near title-winning campaign in the Bunnings NPC competition. 

Cashmore was part of the Blues squad last year, but never really got any opportunity behind Harry Plummer and Stephen Perofeta.

Cashmore is light on his feet, a smart runner of the ball and is handy with the boot. The Hurricanes have X-factor all across the park, so he doesn’t need to shine too much with the ball in hand, instead just drive the game and get the Hurricanes on the front foot.

He will have competition from former Crusaders first-five Riley Hohepa, Harry Godfrey from Hawkes Bay and maybe even Ruben Love when he comes back from injury, but if Cashmore can hit the ground running in pre-season, the position is his to lose.

Honourable mention: Siale Lauaki (Prop)

Crusaders: Kyle Preston (Halfback)

The Crusaders have got a good one. Kyle Preston was one of, if not the best halfback in the Bunnings NPC in 2024. The one-two punch of Hotham and Preston will be hard to top in Super Rugby Pacific. 

Noah Hotham will start most games, but having a backup as capable as Preston will be a huge asset to Rob Penney this year. 

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Preston’s running game as a halfback is effective, and like every good nine, he’s there at the right time to finish off tries from line breaks. 

The 25-year-old has a knack for scoring tries, something he’s picked up over time in becoming a professional rugby player, after being convinced to take the sport up as a career instead of being a roofer.

Honourable mention: Jamie Hannah (Lock)

Highlanders: Caleb Tangitau (Winger)

Caleb Tangitau is one of the brightest up-and-coming wingers that we have on our shores. The former New Zealand sevens player has shown his talent in various teams and codes. It just hasn’t all come together yet for Tangitau, who’s moved down south from the Blues in search of more playing time. 

Tangitau was part of the NZ U20s in 2023, as well as the past couple of Blues and Auckland campaigns. 

Tangitau is the type of player who possesses abilities we’ve yet to fully see, which is why his move to the Highlanders should hopefully unlock his full potential.

He’s dangerous in the air, an absolute handful to tackle when he has the ball and someone who’s not afraid to try something different on the best of occasions. An X-factor player who might just help Jamie Joseph bring some happiness and energy back to the Deep South.

Honourable mention: Michael Manson (Winger)

Moana Pasifika: Kyren Taumoefolau (Utility Back)

Kyren Taumoefolau was a bright spark on the left wing for the Tasman side who held the shield for large parts of 2024. Taumoefolau was often seen on the end of well-worked backline moves, where all that was left was the finish

Taumoefolau has express pace and when given an opportunity with the ball close to the line, Moana Pasifika will enjoy his quality finishing in a side that hopes to grow with one of the world’s best in their squad, Ardie Savea.

Once given an opportunity, Taumoefolau is bound to make that position his own. He represented Tonga at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, an impressive feat at the age of 20.

If Moana Pasifika can get the ball to Taumoefolau in space, the other Super Rugby franchises will need to watch out. 

Honorable mention: Losi Filipo (Winger)


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12 Comments
Y
YeowNotEven 65 days ago

2025 will see the rise and domination of the game by Ollie Mathis.

A
Andrew Nichols 63 days ago

Signed to play 7s...so no it wont happen.

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GP 65 days ago

Interesting discussion going on regarding the Crusaders captaincy. Scott Barrett , an outstanding lock and captain has rightfully been left to concentrate on the All Black captain's job. David Havili and Codie Taylor are 2 obvious candidates.Both would be great choices. Personally Codie Taylor would be my choice. It is often forgotten that when he rejoined the Crusaders last year after his sabbatical, he was the captain and the teams form markedly improved. That was a launch pad for his outstanding All Black year. Tom Christie is a real leader too. Who ever gets it I will be happy , as they are all outstanding rugby players and men.

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Jordon 66 days ago

MP are now defined as an NZ super rugby team.

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Head high tackle 66 days ago

Reporters just keep writing that Stevenson could have his contract cut short so he can go to Japan. Well Japan is now 3 games into there season and they have very short seasons so when is this supposed move going to take place? Post season?

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GP 67 days ago

Jamie Hannah gets mentioned. He debuted for the Crusaders in 2023 before even playing for Canterbury. He played well last year for both teams, like others injury has played its part thus far. But he is bulking up and will only get better,being a lock , longevity is the key. I recently read Sam Whitelocks outstanding book co written with Dylan Cleaver and you realize that long careers , even the great ones have there winding turns. Every team has its unsung heroes with the team I support the Crusaders , the likes of Tom Christie, Cullen Grace , just play so consistently year in year out. Corey Kellow after an outstanding 2024 is one whose star is on the rise.

S
SC 66 days ago

If Jamie Hannah is going to have any shot at becoming a long-term starting Crusader or at All Black selection, he needs to switch to blindside flanker as he is far too short to play SRP or test rugby at lock at only 1.95m (6'5").

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GP 67 days ago

Great article. I think Kyle Preston was a great choice re Crusaders. Played so well for Wellington. It will be a great battle for the Crusaders 9 jumper with him and Noah Hotham. Noah should have been in the AB squad at the end of year tour, he was brilliant for the Crusaders at the latter end of the campaign. Noah's form in the wins over the Chiefs and the Blues here in CHCH were startling. Then there is the under rated , but so good Mitchell Drummond, keeping them honest.

I
Icefarrow 67 days ago

Cashmore hasn't got any competition from Love. Laidlaw said he views him as a Fullback who can play First Five-Eight, and that his injury has ruled him out of getting a shot at 10 this year due to not being around to learn the ropes. Basically Love is either gonna start at 15, or sit on the bench as 10/ 15 cover.

S
SC 66 days ago

Harry Godfey is very likely going to start ahead of Cashmore at 10.

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JW 2 hours ago
Crusaders vs Force takes: Let's talk about Sevu Reece, forgotten All Black returns

I think Reece has bulked up too much and now doesn’t have the pace to perform to his previously high standards. He’s making himself less of a winger but I’m not really sure he’s filling another role succinctly either. I think criticism at the AB level has seen him try to redevelop his game, I’m really not sure he can be continued to be used at the highest level. Definitely becoming the wing version Richie Mo’unga is possible (if not already attained) at Super Rugby level however. I loved watching him play when he first broke through.

The Force are undeniably much improved this season, but it’s going to take some reps to prove to themselves that they really can hang with the big dogs.

Yeah they’re still well off in the quality personal front.

It was the 21-year-old’s first appearance of the season, and he certainly made the most of it, with 13 carries accounting for 50 running metres – each of them passing by in a blur as Springer made his may to the try line time and time again.

Will Jordan was playmaking superbly to assist the youngster’s points tally, but it was all individual brilliance in the 53rd minute when Springer tiptoed down the sideline before collecting his own chip kick and outpacing the final two defenders to score under the posts.

After pre-season I said that I wanted Springer to cement the starting jersey, and that (well I’ve not no idea exactly which sides they play) another new wing recruit, Kunawave, would replace Reece as the Fijian Flyer in the team by season end. Reece might be making that tough, but unfortunately it looks like there wasn’t a full squad spot for the young fella and he has since made his AB7s debut instead. Watch this space though as he and Saifoloi look to have the X factor👍


That Jordan pass to Springer aside it was otherwise a very lackluster game for him as he looks to be struggling with processing his option taking in this new style he’s trying. Still have to think a man of that talent and ingenuity is going to make it click sooner or later though!

t’s a congested position, and after Ennor shot down talk of him being swept up by a Top 14 outfit this week, it looks as if the Crusaders have some selection headaches to solve in the coming weeks.

That’s great news. I can’t remember if it was because he actually made his return in pre-season or not but for some reason I was liking how Ennor looked like he might be providing the right options for Saders and even ABs when back. Very pleased to see him fit straight in though there was plenty of space on offer but he almost looked as if he was more dangerous with no space. Could be the long looked for option at 13?

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JW 3 hours ago
Chiefs vs Blues takes: Blues need Spider-Man, McKenzie is All Blacks’ form 10

Chiefs were in the driver’s seat for most of Saturday night’s fixture in the Tron

I don’t know about that. The majority of stats all favour the Blues.

Referee Ben O’Keeffe did show the rising star a yellow card during the second half after a series of infringements from the Blues, but that shouldn’t take away too much from the main point here. Taele looks at home with the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific.

There were a few errors that crept into his performance in that second half, but yes, I was surprised after watching him a few times how comfortable he looked in his role as a 2nd5, and even how well he performed it. It is a shame for Lam to be injured but I picked up a distinct difference in how the backline functioned by having Taele at twelve instead. I might not have given him another go this week but now it will be very interesting to see what Vern does and without knowing what else is going on (Pero might be fit enough to start and psuh Plummer to 12) I think he might start again (Heem has been very very good in the role in recent years, is he fit).

Shaun Stevenson fails to make an All Blacks-worthy statement

He’s leaving Hamish (don’t know how you missed that), it’s impossible to make a statement for AB selection, and that also be well out of his mind.


Watching him in Japan he looked to be struggling as much of his team. Which is often how I think his contributions have depended, how well he fits in with the team. He’s a very unique player and I don’t think the Chiefs have anywhere near the right momentum and structure to unlock Shaun’s strengths. In saying that I thought he played well and that pass showed he’s in a great headspace, you might also be overplaying Corey’s contribution, which from the weekend would be of greatest value if he was Lams midfield replacement imo. I’d like Forbes to return this weekend and don’t think Corey did enough to take that opportunity away from him.

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J
Jahmirwayle 3 hours ago
Mixed Wales update on availability of Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe

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JW 3 hours ago
Super Rugby Pacific has turned the ship around in the right direction

“We want jeopardy in our competition, right? We want ladder movement. We don’t want teams to stay in the same ladder position that they were in last year.

You need promotion relegation then. You cannot always rely on 4 teams being the right number for Australia, it could mean that they are too strong in future. Or that Fijian Drua doesn’t always has the players to knock of the best.

“We want unexpected results. We want every fan to be sitting here on a Friday at lunchtime going ‘I’m a chance this weekend’.’’ 

Oh, so you want a made up fantasy league like the NFL, rather than a quantifiable competition like NPC, and to a lesser degree, then NRL. Meaningless rather than meaningful, you don’t want the best of NSW taking on the best of Queensland, or the Blues region versus the Chiefs region.


There is still huge room for improvement in the way rugby is played and officiated, it is an incredibly young professional sport. Some of these introduced concepts are tricks taken from others and have done a lot to engage and increase Super Rugby’s appeal, but there has been a hint of whether the game is selling it’s soul to get back on the table.

For me, Super Rugby’s best years were around the turn of the millennium, when the Crusaders and Brumbies held sway. The speed with which possession was recycled at the breakdown and the minutes the ball was in play remains my benchmark for flowing rugby. 

Have you used you’re own license for viewing “feels rather than facts” here Hamish?


I agree, the rugby isn’t as good as it has been at times in the recent past, but it is more engaging. Which I think is due to a whole factor of fortunate and one off reasons, along with targeted ones.

5 Go to comments
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