The long-awaited 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season is upon us, bringing with it the initial injury and unavailability report for the opening round. This year, numerous key players will be missing from the action, either due to injuries or because they are still recuperating after intense Test matches from the previous season.
To catch every thrilling moment of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, you can watch live and on demand through Stan Sport. (https://www.stan.com.au/watch/sport/rugby)
Notably absent this week are prominent figures such as Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, and Nick Frost, in addition to Wallabies flyhalves Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh. It's also worth mentioning that the Hurricanes have a bye and will not be part of this week's lineup.
Injury and Unavailability Report for Super Rugby Pacific Round One
Note: Specific times and injury details are subject to confirmation unless otherwise indicated.
Blues
- Cameron Christie (knee/season-ending)
- 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/injury expected to clear by round 4)
- Lalakai Foketi (knee/injury expected to clear by round 3)
- Sione Ahio (ankle/to be confirmed)
- Isaac Hutchinson (knee/injury expected to clear by round 8)
- Damian McKenzie (absent due to the birth of his first child)
Crusaders
- Macca Springer (quadriceps/1-2 weeks recovery)
- Kershawl Sykes-Martin (hip/1-2 weeks recovery)
- Johnny McNicholl (hamstring/3 weeks recovery)
- Liam Jack (hamstring/6-8 weeks recovery)
- Maloni Kunawave (hamstring/6-8 weeks recovery)
- Cooper Roberts (fibula/6-8 weeks recovery)
- Cullen Grace (knee/to be confirmed)
Fijian Drua
- No reported injuries
Highlanders
- Fabian Holland (shoulder/to be confirmed)
- Saula Ma’u (shoulder/8 weeks recovery)
- Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring/2 weeks recovery)
- Stanley Solomon (shoulder/2 weeks recovery)
- Finn Hurley (foot/5 weeks recovery)
- Andrew Knewstubb (quadriceps/2 weeks recovery)
- Dylan Pledger (ACL/season-ending)
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
- Nic Dolly (knee/short-term recovery)
- Doug Phillipson (knee/long-term recovery)
- Feao Fotuaika (foot/medium-term recovery)
- Dylan Pietsch (foot/short-term recovery)
- Darby Lancaster (thigh/short-term recovery)
- Alex Harford (shoulder/long-term recovery)
With so many injuries affecting top players, how will these absences shape the competition? Which teams do you think will rise to the challenge despite these setbacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
