The Gallagher Chiefs have named their 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific squad this week, including seven rookies.

They are Richard Judd, Charlie Sinton, Frank Vaenuku, Corey Kellow, Jai Knights, Paula Latu, Daniel Lienert-Brown and Taha Kemara.

The squad brings together strong performers, experience, fresh arrivals and emerging talent to write the club’s next chapter, Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said.

“There’s a lot to be excited about in this group,” Gibbes said in a statement.

“We’ve got players who understand this club and what it means to represent our people, as well as new faces bringing their own experiences.

“I’m confident in the foundation we’ve built; this is a new team and a new season.

“It’s about what we do next and everyone has a part to play in that.”

Gibbes said the squad’s additions are at different stages of their career, which is a strength.

“Some bring experience from other Super Rugby teams, while others have been developing within our pathways and are ready for their next challenge.

“We want them to bring what makes them different.”

Judd, a Bay of Plenty halfback, has played for four provincial teams and made 21 appearances with the Hurricanes. He also played with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan and San Diego Legion in America.

Sinton is also a BOP halfback and has been a familiar face in the Chiefs environment, having joined the club on a National Development Contract in 2026. He is now signed with the Chiefs for two years.

Vaenuku is an All Blacks Sevens representative and has signed a long-term agreement that means he will be available for the 2028 Olympics before returning in 2029.

Kellow represented the Crusaders for four years and will strengthen the loose forwards after Samipeni Finau’s departure.

Knight was already part of the Chiefs 2026 wider training group and now joins the squad.

Latu, a tighthead prop, has represented Southland in the NPC and Welsh club Dragons RFC before playing six games for Moana Pasifika in 2026.

Up front, Highlanders centurion Daniel Lienert-Brown and Hurricanes forward Tevita Mafileo will add substantial Super Rugby experience to the prop group.

The remaining forward pack welcomes back seasoned All Black Samisoni Taukei’aho, Taine Kolose and NPC-winning captain Brodie McAlister.

Hooker Tyrone Thompson will be unavailable for the season because of injury.

The 2026 Super Rugby Player of the Year, Quinn Tupaea, and Anton Lienert-Brown will be joined in the midfield by Daniel Rona and Kyle Brown.

Tupou Vaa’i and Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi will be looking to reach their 100th cap for the Chiefs in 2027.

Full 2027 Chiefs squad

Brackets denote Chiefs caps

* Denotes Chiefs rookie

** Contracted but unavailable for 2027 because of injury

George Dyer (69)

Paula Latu* (0)

Daniel Lienert-Brown* (0)

Tevita Mafileo (7)

Ollie Norris (81)

Jared Proffit (37)

Taine Kolose (0)

Brodie McAlister (23)

Samisoni Taukei’aho (121)

Tyrone Thompson** (31)

Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi (94)

Jai Knight* (0)

Josh Lord (46)

Fiti Sa (6)

Jayden Sa (0)

Tupou Vaa’i (88)

Aisake Vakasiuola (0)

Kaylum Boshier (49)

Jahrome Brown (14)

Luke Jacobson (106)

Corey Kellow* (0)

Simon Parker (50)

Wallace Sititi (29)

Richard Judd* (0)

Cortez Ratima (74)

Charlie Sinton* (0)

Tepaea Cook-Savage (6)

Taha Kemara* (0)

Damian McKenzie (151)

Kyle Brown (11)

Anton Lienert-Brown (126)

Daniel Rona (45)

Quinn Tupaea (79)

Leroy Carter (26)

Isaac Hutchinson (6)

Emoni Narawa (54)

Daniel Sinkinson (5)

Kyren Taumoefolau (13)

Frank Vaenuku* (0)