Mako men in Super Rugby mix

A large group of Tasman-contracted players from the 2023 season are among the seven NZ-based Super Rugby Pacific 2024 squads named today.

Twenty-one Mako players feature across all the squads, except the Chiefs.

Once again, the largest contingent will play for the Crusaders, eight players, including recent signing midfielder Levi Aumua, signing up with the defending champions.

Five will play for the Highlanders, including powerhouse winger Timoci Tavatavanawai, who moves from the Moana Pasifika side.

Youngster Viliami Napa’a is a new addition to the Moana Pasifika squad along with Tasman-contracted player Miracle Fai'ilagi.

Also named was Atu Moli, Feleti Kaitu'u and Campbell Parata, who were included in the Western Force mix for 2024.

Tasman players in Super Rugby sides.

Highlanders – Luca Inch, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton

Crusaders – Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Macca Springer

Blues – Anton Segner, Finlay Christie

Hurricanes – Tyrel Lomax

Moana Pasifika – Sam Moli, Viliami Napa’a, Sione Havili Talitui, William Havili, Miracle Fai'ilagi

Fijian Drua – Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta

Last season 28 players from the Mako camp picked up Super Rugby contracts. Missing this time around are: Leicester Fainga’anuku, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Andrew Makalio, Mitch Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Fetuli Paea, Alex Nankivell and Tomasi Alosio.