The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season has kicked off, but a significant number of star players are already sidelined, impacting team lineups from the very first whistle!
The much-anticipated start to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition is here, bringing with it the initial list of players who will be unavailable for Round One. It's a notable roster of familiar faces, including some of the game's biggest names, who are either nursing injuries or are still recovering from demanding international Test seasons.
Among those missing crucial early action are prominent figures like Beauden Barrett and Nick Frost, as well as highly-rated Wallabies flyhalves Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh. This early wave of unavailability is sure to shake up team strategies and fantasy league selections.
Just a heads-up: The Hurricanes have a bye this week, so they won't be appearing on this injury list.
Super Rugby Pacific Round One Injury/Unavailability Breakdown:
(Note: 'TBC' indicates the return date is to be confirmed, unless otherwise specified.)
Blues
* Cameron Christie (knee injury, out for the season)
* Corey Evans (ankle)
* Jordan Lay (concussion)
* Payton Spencer (concussion)
* Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
* Malachi Wrampling (concussion)
* Beauden Barrett (rested)
Brumbies
* Allan Alaalatoa (back issue)
* Lachlan Lonergan (knee)
* Tom Wright (knee)
* Nick Frost (rested)
Chiefs
* Brodie McAlister (hand, expected back around Round 4)
* Lalakai Foketi (knee, expected back around Round 3)
* Sione Ahio (ankle, return date TBC)
* Isaac Hutchinson (knee, expected back around Round 8)
* Damian McKenzie (unavailable due to the birth of his first child – congratulations to him!)
Crusaders
* Macca Springer (quad, 1-2 weeks)
* Kershawl Sykes-Martin (hip, 1-2 weeks)
* Johnny McNicholl (hamstring, 3 weeks)
* Liam Jack (hamstring, 6-8 weeks)
* Maloni Kunawave (hamstring, 6-8 weeks)
* Cooper Roberts (fibula, 6-8 weeks)
* Cullen Grace (knee, return date TBC)
Fijian Drua
* No reported injuries.
Highlanders
* Fabian Holland (shoulder, TBC)
* Saula Ma’u (shoulder, 8 weeks)
* Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring, 2 weeks)
* Stanley Solomon (shoulder, 2 weeks)
* Finn Hurley (foot, 5 weeks)
* Andrew Knewstubb (quad, 2 weeks)
* Dylan Pledger (ACL, out for the season)
Moana Pasifika
* Augustine Pulu (calf)
* Jimmy Tupou (elbow)
* Niko Jones (foot)
* Ola Tauelangi (back)
* Tupou Afungia (neck)
* Paula Latu (knee)
* Tevita Latu (knee)
NSW Waratahs
* Austin Durbidge (forearm)
* Angus Scott-Young (calf)
* Eamon Doyle (ankle)
Queensland Reds
* Filipo Daugunu
* Massimo De Lutiis
* Carter Gordon
* Tom Lynagh
* Will McCulloch
* Tate McDermott
* Heremaia Murray
* Josh Nasser
* Kalani Thomas
* Ben Volavola
* Harry Wilson
Western Force
* NicDolly (knee, short term)
* Doug Phillipson (knee, long term)
* Feao Fotuaika (foot, medium term)
* Dylan Pietsch (foot, short term)
* Darby Lancaster (thigh, short term)
* Alex Harford (shoulder, long term)
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that the early season rest for players like Beauden Barrett and Nick Frost is a strategic move to protect them for later, more critical games. Is this a smart way to manage player load, or does it unfairly disadvantage teams who are looking to field their strongest lineups from the get-go?
And this is the part most people miss: The sheer number of players out with knee and hamstring injuries raises questions about training intensity, pre-season conditioning, or even the demands of the modern game. Are these players being pushed too hard, too soon?
Given this extensive list of absentees, it's time to get your Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific teams sorted! Make sure to update your selections now to include your favourite players for Round One.
What do you think about this extensive injury list? Are you frustrated by the number of stars missing, or do you see it as an opportunity for emerging talent to shine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree with our take!
