2025 Super Rugby Season Preview: What’s in Store for Australian Teams
The international season may still have three weeks left to play out and Super Rugby Pacific remains three months away, but it hasn’t stopped us from looking ahead at what’s to come from each Australian team in 2025.
A Blockbuster Year Ahead for Australian Teams
With the Melbourne Rebels folding and the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions tour on the horizon, next year promises to be a blockbuster Super Rugby season for the four remaining Australian teams. Every player will be eager to make their mark and push for selection in the Wallabies squad for what is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Rebels’ Demise: A Talent Surge for the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs, and Force
The collapse of the Rebels has funneled a wealth of talent to the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs, and Western Force. Big-name signings like Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, and Andrew Kellaway have joined the Waratahs, while Filipo Daugunu and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto have headed north to bolster the Reds.
Brumbies Poised to Dominate Again in 2025
As Australia’s most consistent Super Rugby side in recent years, the Brumbies are poised to maintain their dominance in 2025, boasting a settled squad featuring over a dozen Wallabies players.
A Settled Squad with Key Additions
The Brumbies have kept the core of their squad intact, retaining 30 players from last year while promoting four from their academy. This includes back-rower Lachlan Hooper—brother of Tom Hooper—Super Rugby U19s title-winning captain Shane Wilcox, outside back Kadin Pritchard, and prop Tevita Alatini. The collapse of the Rebels has worked in the Brumbies’ favor, with forward Tuaina Taii Tualima and centre David Feliuai both making the move to Canberra.
Formidable Forward Pack and Rising Stars
The Brumbies have maintained a strong, experienced forward pack, featuring stalwarts like Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Caderyn Neville, and Nick Frost. This group is further strengthened by rising stars such as Charlie Cale, Blake Schopp, Tom Hooper, and Lachlan Lonergan, ensuring they’ll have plenty of talent up front.
A Well-Rounded Backline Under Larkham’s Leadership
Under the guidance of Stephan Larkham, the Brumbies have also secured a well-rounded backline, with some of Australia’s most exciting ball players, including Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, and Noah Lolesio. They are complemented by the blistering pace of Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead on the wings.
Predicted starting XV: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Caderyn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper.
Squad:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Tevita Alatini, Liam Bowron, Charlie Cale, Nick Frost, Lachlan Hooper, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Lonergan, Cadeyrn Neville, Billy Pollard, Luke Reimer, Blake Schopp, Rory Scott, Lachlan Shaw, James Slipper, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rob Valetini, Rhys van Nek, Harry Vella
Backs: Austin Anderson, Hudson Creighton, Jack Debreczeni, David Feliuai, Harrison Goddard, Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Andy Muirhead, Ben O’Donnell, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Klayton Thorn, Corey Toole, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright
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