With the Melbourne Rebels disbanded and the tantalizing prospect of the British & Irish Lions tour on the horizon, the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is shaping up to be a pivotal campaign for Australian rugby. The four remaining Aussie sides – the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs and Western Force – have been bolstering their squads, eager to not only taste Super Rugby success but also catch the eye of Wallabies coach Eddie Jones. Every player will be out to prove they deserve a shot at facing the Lions in what could be a once-in-a-career opportunity.
Unpacking the Australian Squads
ACT Brumbies
Australia’s perennial contenders, the Brumbies are set to field a formidable squad brimming with over a dozen Wallabies. Coach Stephen Larkham has managed to retain the core of his side, with 30 of last season’s group re-signing. They’ve elevated exciting prospects like back-rower Lachlan Hooper and outside back Kadin Pritchard from their academy, while also securing the services of Rebels’ center David Feliuai. With a star-studded tight five boasting names like Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper and Nick Frost, along with explosive backs Tom Wright, Len Ikitau and Andy Muirhead, the Brumbies will take some stopping.
NSW Waratahs
After a dismal 2024 season, the Waratahs have ushered in a new era under former rival coach Dan McKellar. They’ve made some headline-grabbing signings, none bigger than colossal prop Taniela Tupou, Wallaby utility back Andrew Kellaway and teenage sensation Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The Tupou-Angus Bell axis could give the ‘Tahs scrum an aura of invincibility. Kellaway’s experience and versatility perfectly complement the youthful backline talents of Max Jorgensen and Suaalii. If McKellar can get his star-studded squad to gel quickly, a rapid resurgence seems inevitable.
Queensland Reds
After a promising yet ultimately disappointing 2024 campaign, the Reds have been steadily bolstering their already impressive roster under coach Les Kiss. The return of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Filipo Daugunu from the Rebels adds Test-level quality, while lock Josh Canham is a shrewd addition. However the departures of former NRL star Suliasi Vunivalu to France and Wallabies stalwart James O’Connor to the Crusaders leave some big holes to fill. Much will depend on the fitness of the Reds’ explosive back-row of Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight and Liam Wright. If Kiss can keep his charges on the park, they have the firepower to match any team in the competition.
Western Force
After collecting the wooden spoon in 2024, Force coach Simon Cron has gone on a recruitment blitz to ensure there’s no repeat. Test hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa, prop Harry Johnson-Holmes, flyer Dylan Pietsch, locks Darcy Swain and Sam Carter, and returning vets Tom Robertson and Kane Koteka give the Force pack a harder edge. Rebels backrower Vaiolini Ekuasi and Aussie expats like lock Nic Dolly add further depth. The return to fitness of gamebreaker Harry Potter will be key, as will flyhalf Ben Donaldson taking charge of a backline now missing the direction of Kurtley Beale. The Force may not yet be title contenders, but they should be nobody’s easy-beats in 2025.
With the Melbourne Rebels consigned to history and their squad scattered to the four winds, all eyes will be on how quickly the new-look Waratahs and reinforced Reds and Force can close the gap on the ever-consistent Brumbies. In a World Cup year where only the very best will earn a shot at the Lions, the Australian Super Rugby sides seem poised to elevate the competition to new heights. Buckle up, rugby fans, 2025 promises one hell of a ride.
