Chiefs Rugby Roster In 2026 Loaded With Damian McKenzie, More All Blacks
Chiefs Rugby Roster In 2026 Loaded With Damian McKenzie, More All Blacks
Here's a complete Chiefs roster for 2026, highlighting Damian McKenzie and the full Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The Chiefs enter the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with a roster built around proven international experience, featuring a significant concentration of capped All Blacks across both the forwards and backs.
New additions, such as Lalakai Foketi and Kyren Taumoefolau, headline a squad that prioritizes established performers while adding targeted reinforcements, rather than wholesale change.
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That approach reflects the strength and balance shown throughout the 2025 campaign, when the Chiefs’ depth allowed them to sustain performance across a full 14-match regular season.
The roster’s composition, more than any single positional group, emerged as a defining factor in their first-place finish, even as the year ultimately concluded with a runner-up result.
As the Chiefs move into 2026, the roster does so under new leadership.
Jono Gibbes takes over as head coach following Clayton McMillan’s departure to Munster Rugby, bringing continuity from within after serving as an assistant last season.
With Luke Jacobson captaining the side, and FMG Stadium Waikato remaining home base, the Chiefs enter the season defined by experience, stability and targeted recruitment rather than transition.
Chiefs Rugby Roster 2026
The Chiefs roster features 15 capped All Blacks and new additions, including Lalakai Foketi and Kyren Taumoefolau, strengthening an already experienced squad entering the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
- Prop: Benet Kumeroa, George Dyer, Jarred Proffit, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Sione Ahio
- Hooker: Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tyrone Thompson
- Lock: Aisake Vakasuiola, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Taine Kolose, Tupou Vaa’i
- Back Row: Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi
- Halfback: Cortez Ratima, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Xavier Roe
- Fly-Halves: Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb
- Midfield: Daniel Rona, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea, Tepaea Cook-Savage
- Outside Backs: Emoni Narawa, Etene Nainai-Seturo, Isaac Hutchinson, Kyren Taumoefolau, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific Schedule 2026
- Feb. 14: 1:05 a.m.: Blues vs. Chiefs
- Feb. 21: 1:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Chiefs
- Feb. 28: 1:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Crusaders
- March 6: 1:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Moana Pasifika
- March 20: 4:35 a.m.: ACT Brumbies vs. Chiefs
- March 28: 4:35 a.m.: Western Force vs. Chiefs
- April 4: 2:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. NSW Waratahs
- April 10: 10:05 p.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Chiefs
- April 18: 3:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Hurricanes
- April 25: 12:30 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Fijian Drua
- May 8: 5:35 a.m.: Queensland Reds vs. Chiefs
- May 15: 3:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Highlanders
- May 22: 3:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Chiefs
- May 30: 3:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Blues
What Did Chiefs Do in 2025?
The Chiefs finished first in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific standings with an 11–3 record and 51 points. They advanced through the postseason and ended the year as runner-up after reaching the championship match.
The Chiefs Coach Is Jono Gibbes
Jono Gibbes is the head coach of the Chiefs, taking over for Clayton McMillan, who was hired by Munster Rugby of the United Rugby Championship. Gibbes was the New Zealand Under-20s coach and was an assistant for the Chiefs last season.
When Does The Super Rugby Pacific Season Start?
The 30th season of Super Rugby begins with Round 1 on Feb. 13, with the first game being in Dunedin between the Highlanders and Crusaders at 1:05 a.m. ET.
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