Stars come out for Super Rugby Pacific launch at the beach
Today at 05:03 AM
NEWS: As the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season kicked off in Sydney this week, one specific player caught most of the attention.
The players that attend all starred in a photoshoot on Little Bay Beach before participating in an Indigenous smoking ceremony led by Uncle Leslie McLeod, on-stage formalities, and media interviews.
The clubs were represented by Beauden Barrett (Blues), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Waratahs), Julian Savea (Moana Pasifika), Rob Valetini (Brumbies), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua), Ruben Love (Hurricanes), Carlo Tizzano (Western Force), Braydon Ennor (Crusaders), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Reds), Aidan Ross (Chiefs) and Sean Withy (Highlanders).
There was a relief as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii attended the launch and seemed all geared up for the Super Rugby Pacific season opener on Valentine's Day.
"We've got training today so I'm back into that and I'm getting ready for next Friday. So I'm all good."
After dazzling the rugby world with the Wallabies last year, Suaalii is yet to make his Waratahs debut.
This season will see 77 matches across an extended 16-round regular season, culminating in a revamped six-team Finals Series.
[rp-mc-game id="205|945264|2025"][/rp-mc-game]
[rp-mc-game id="205|945265|2025"][/rp-mc-game]
[rp-mc-game id="205|945266|2025"][/rp-mc-game]
[rp-mc-game id="205|945267|2025"][/rp-mc-game]
[rp-mc-game id="205|945268|2025"][/rp-mc-game]
The season kicks off on Friday, February 14 with the ultimate Valentine's Day entertainment as Kiwi heavyweights the Crusaders and Hurricanes clash in Christchurch before the new-look Waratahs tackle the Highlanders in Sydney.
The opening round continues on Saturday, February 15 as the Fijian Drua welcome the Brumbies to Suva for 'Valetini Day' as brothers Rob and Kemu renew their sibling rivalry.
Then it's off to Auckland's Eden Park for a Grand Final rematch between the Blues and Chiefs, before the blockbuster opening weekend concludes with the Force facing Moana Pasifika in Perth.
