The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season is heating up, but not just on the field—injuries are already reshaping the competition. With star players sidelined and teams scrambling to adapt, this could be the most unpredictable season yet. But here’s where it gets controversial: Are teams doing enough to protect their players, or is the relentless pace of the game taking its toll? Let’s dive into the Round 3 injury list and explore the stories behind the names.
Round 3 brings a mix of relief and concern as big-name players return to action while others join the growing injury list. For the Queensland Reds, the comeback of Harry Wilson, Filipo Daugunu, and Carter Gordon is a massive boost, injecting much-needed firepower into their lineup. But here’s the part most people miss: While the Reds celebrate their returns, the Crusaders are reeling as hooker Codie Taylor joins an already lengthy injury list. With stars like Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, and Cortez Ratima still on the sidelines, the defending champions are facing a serious test of their depth.
The NSW Waratahs are on a bye this round, giving them a breather but also leaving them out of the spotlight. Meanwhile, the rest of the teams are battling not just opponents but also the injury bug. Is this a sign of the sport’s increasing physical demands, or just a unlucky streak? Let’s break down the injury lists team by team.
Super Rugby Pacific Round Three Injury/Unavailability List
Unless specified, timeframes and injuries are TBC (To Be Confirmed).
Blues
- Cam Christie (knee – season-ending)
- Corey Evans (ankle)
- Joshua Fusitu’a (elbow)
- Jordan Lay (concussion)
- Payton Spencer (concussion)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
- Flyn Yates (neck)
Brumbies
- Allan Alaalatoa (back)
- Lachlan Lonergan (knee)
- Tom Wright (knee)
Chiefs
- Jahrome Brown (concussion – TBC)
- Brodie McAlister (hands – Round 5)
- Isaac Hutchinson (knee – Round 8)
- Damian McKenzie (paternity leave – TBC)
- Cortez Ratima (paternity leave – TBC)
Crusaders
- Macca Springer (quad – TBC)
- Mitch Drummond (concussion – TBC)
- Johnny McNicholl (hamstring – 2 weeks)
- Liam Jack (hamstring – 4-6 weeks)
- Maloni Kunawave (hamstring – 4-6 weeks)
- Cooper Roberts (fibula – 6-8 weeks)
- Cullen Grace (knee – TBC)
- Rivez Reihana (adductor – TBC)
- Codie Taylor (ribs – TBC)
Fijian Drua
- Mesulame Dolokoto (knee)
- Meli Tuni (knee)
- Simione Kuruvoli (shoulder)
- Aisea Nawai (leg)
- Temo Mayanavanua (knee)
- Ponipate Loganimasi (hip)
Highlanders
- Fabian Holland (shoulder – season-ending)
- Saula Ma’u (shoulder – 5 weeks)
- Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring – 1 week)
- Finn Hurley (foot – 6 weeks)
- Andrew Knewstubb (quad – 1 week)
- Dylan Pledger (ACL – season-ending)
- Angus Ta'avao (compassionate grounds – TBC)
Hurricanes
- Brett Cameron (knee – TBC)
- Caleb Delany (calf – 1 week)
- Du’Plessis Kirifi (calf – 1 week)
- Jai Tamati (ankle – 8-10 weeks)
- Harry Godfrey (knee – season-ending)
- Ruben Love (ankle – 3-5 weeks)
- Josh Timu (foot – 6-8 weeks)
- Kini Naholo (knee – 1-3 weeks)
Moana Pasifika
- Augustine Pulu (calf)
- Israel Leota (ankle)
- Jimmy Tupou (elbow)
- Niko Jones (foot – reintegrating this week)
- Paula Latu (knee)
- Simon Peter Toleafoa (knee)
- William Havili (neck)
Queensland Reds
- Charlie Brosnan
- Nicholas Conway
- Massimo De Lutiis
- Tom Lynagh
- Will McCulloch
- Tate McDermott
- Will Ross
- Seru Uru
- Ben Volavola
Western Force
- Nick Champion de Crespigny (knee – short term)
- Feao Fotuaika (foot – medium term)
- Dylan Pietsch (foot – medium term)
- Alex Harford (shoulder – long term)
- Doug Philipson (knee – long term)
Food for Thought: With so many players sidelined, is the Super Rugby Pacific schedule too demanding? Or is this just part of the game’s natural ebb and flow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are teams doing enough to protect their stars, or is the sport pushing players to their limits? The debate is open!
