The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season has finally kicked off, and with it comes the inevitable list of injuries and unavailable players that can make or break a team's start. But here's where it gets tricky for fans and fantasy league managers alike: some of the biggest names are sitting out, either due to injuries or much-needed rest after grueling international campaigns. This isn't just about missing your favorite players—it’s about how these absences could reshape the early dynamics of the competition.
This week’s injury list is a who’s who of rugby stars. Notable absentees include Beauden Barrett and Nick Frost, both rested after demanding Test seasons, alongside Wallabies flyhalves Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh, whose absences could significantly impact their teams’ strategies. And this is the part most people miss: while the Hurricanes are enjoying a bye this round and thus have no players listed, other teams are scrambling to fill the gaps left by their sidelined stars.
Here’s the full breakdown of the Super Rugby Pacific Round One Injury/Unavailability List, with estimated recovery times where available:
Blues
- Cameron Christie (knee/season)
- Corey Evans (ankle)
- Jordan Lay (concussion)
- Payton Spencer (concussion)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
- Malachi Wrampling (concussion)
- Beauden Barrett (rested)
Brumbies
- Allan Alaalatoa (back)
- Lachlan Lonergan (knee)
- Tom Wright (knee)
- Nick Frost (rested)
Chiefs
- Brodie McAlister (hand/round 4)
- Lalakai Foketi (knee/round 3)
- Sione Ahio (ankle/TBC)
- Isaac Hutchinson (knee/round 8)
- Damian McKenzie (birth of first child)
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/TBC)
Fijian Drua
No injuries reported—a rare clean bill of health!
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/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
A staggering 11 players are listed, including Filipo Daugunu, Massimo De Lutiis, Carter Gordon, Tom Lynagh, Will McCulloch, Tate McDermott, Heremaia Murray, Josh Nasser, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, and Harry Wilson. This raises a bold question: Is this a sign of deeper issues within the Reds’ squad management, or just bad luck?
Western Force
- Nic Dolly (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)
With so many key players out, now’s the time to rethink your Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific lineup. Who will you bench, and who will step up to fill the void? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Are rested players like Barrett and Frost being unfairly penalized in fantasy leagues, or is their absence an opportunity for lesser-known talents to shine? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to update your team before the round begins. Click here to join the Fantasy Super Rugby Pacific action: https://www.playfantasyrugby.com/super/. The season’s just started, but the drama is already in full swing!
