Super Rugby Countdown Day 17: Rookie players to look out for in 2023

With the Super Rugby Pacific competition around the corner. The New Zealand sides have announced their 2023 squads. All-round these clubs have included a total of 21 new-faces in their squads. Few of these players were apart of the New Zealand under 20 squad that won their respective Oceania Championship.

Below are five new-comers to keep a lookout for:

1.Noah Hotham (Crusaders)

The New Zealand Under 20 starting pick made 10 appearances and scored seven tries. With quick distribution, tactical nous and a slick running game Hotham will be groomed to be a long term replacement for centurion Bryn Hall. Noah is the son of Hamilton Boys’ High School First XV coach Nigel Hotham who has won five National Top Four titles. His sister Jazmin Felix-Hotham is in the Black Ferns Sevens.

2.Peter Lakai (Hurricanes)

The Wellington No.8 is still eligible for another season of Under 20s rugby but is unlikely to compete in the age group category again following a ‘beast’ season for the Wellington Lions. In the New Zealand local competition Lakai made more carries (147) than any player in the NPC. He was also third in the tackle count with 139.

3. Fabian Holland (Highlanders)

Lock Fabian Holland is hard to miss standing 204cm and 118kg. His development continued at a brisk pace this year. He helped the Highlanders win two out of three matches in Bunnings Super Rugby Under 20 and then featured for Otago in eight games in the Bunnings NPC.

4. Caleb Tangitau (Blues)

Outside back Caleb Tangitau has already played international rugby at the highest level, a member of the New Zealand Sevens team at the 2022 World Cup and Commonwealth Games. Quick on his feet with good distribution Tangitau will add even more excitement to a Blues backline that scored 72 tries last season.

5.Jared Proffit (Chiefs)

The 29 year old prop is the oldest of the recruits. A model of consistency, Proffit will add even more strength to a Chiefs pack which boasts All Blacks Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao and Samisoni Taukei’aho