Fifteen Tasman Mako players have been named in the 2027 Super Rugby squads which were released last week.
The big winners were hooker Eli Oudenryn who has gone from last year’s Wider Training Group to a full contract with the Blues, as has centre Cooper Roberts at the Crusaders.
As usual, the Christchurch-based franchise has the most Mako with nine players.
After being named as a loose forward in the All Blacks squad this week, Leicester Fainga’anuku has been picked as a midfield back in the Crusaders, which underlines his hybrid skills.
Also named in the Crusaders are outside backs Will Jordan, Maloni Kunawave and Macca Springer, halfbacks Mitchell Drummond and Noah Hotham, plus loose forwards Ethan Blackadder and Johnny Lee.
Halfback Finlay Christie, who missed the entire NPC season, returns to the Blues alongside Eli.
Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai heads back south, along with All Blacks loosie Shannon Frizell, while wing Kyren Taumoefolau returns to the Chiefs, and prop Tyrel Lomax to the Hurricanes.
Not listed in Super Rugby squads were Mako props Sam Matenga, Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Monu Moli, who all battled injuries during the NPC.
Utility backs Taine Robinson and Cooper Grant, who appeared for the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively last year, missed out on full contracts.
Australian utility forward Lopeti Faifua has gone back to the Western Force and flanker Rory Scott to the Brumbies.
