The build to the Super Rugby Pacific season begins as teams play their first trials on the weekend.
It'll mark the first time we will see new players feature for their clubs with just three weeks before the season officially begins.
Don't miss Super Round 2024 in Melbourne from March 1-3. Get your tickets now!
With that comes an opportunity for a whole host of fresh talent to make their mark, set to play in this or next week's trials.
All are yet to make their Super Rugby debut and will be pushing for a maiden cap sometime in 2024.
Rugby.com.au identifies ten players to keep an eye out for in this trial period and beyond.
- Lachlan Hooper (ACT Brumbies)
One of several Junior Wallabies that will feature in the list, Hooper is looking to follow in the footsteps of brother Tom and crack it in Super Rugby.
The 19-year-old almost single-handedly demolished the Waratahs' set-piece game in the U19 Super Rugby Final and deserved Player of the Match honours.
He spent the entirety of the U20’s World Champions at blindside flanker but can play across the second and back row, making him a ready-made replacement for Pete Samu.
- Austin Anderson (ACT Brumbies)
Anderson is a centre that has impressed since making the move from New Zealand.
He was been promoted from the Elite Development Squad (EDS) in 2024 after impressing for Wests.
Anderson spent the off-season playing NPC with Waikato, starting seven games at inside centre before the return of Quinn Tupaea pushed him back to the bench.
- Henry O’Donnell (Western Force)
O’Donnell is another centre with high regard placed on him after making the move west to the Force.
The Norths product was one of the standouts of the Junior Wallabies’ 2023 campaign, scoring four tries in their five games at the U20 Championships.
O’Donnell can also cover several positions across the backline, which will be valuable for Simon Cron’s side in 2024.
- Rohan Leahy (Western Force)
Leahy made good use of his late call-up to the Junior Wallabies, scoring in their opening game of the U20s Championships against Fiji.
The 19-year-old started consistently for the Force during their series against the Cheetahs and with the Force losing a host of outside backs, expect Leahy to push his case for a starting spot come round one.
His pace on the wing can serve as a major game-breaker for the side following the departure of Zach Kibirige and Manasa Mataele.
- Ethan Dobbins (Melbourne Rebels)
Dobbins will head to the Rebels after establishing himself as one of the better hookers in the Queensland club competition.
He continues the ongoing relationship with Wests, helping them to a Premiership title over UQ in 2022.
Dobbins has all the tools to impress at the Super Rugby level and will serve as a great back-up to Alex Mafi and Jordan Uelese.
- Mason Gordon (Melbourne Rebels)
Gordon is another younger brother with eyes set up following in the footsteps of a Wallaby debutant in 2024.
Mason has followed in the footsteps of Carter, slotting in for the Junior Wallabies at fullback in 2023 before leading Wests to the finals at flyhalf.
With the Rebels lacking depth at playmaker, it may not be too long before the two brothers are playing together at the elite level.
- Cormac Daly (Queensland Reds)
Daly was a standout of Randwick’s Shute Shield campaign after arriving from Ireland.
The 25-year-old lock played nearly every minute for Randwick, showcasing the talent that saw him picked for Ireland at the U20 level.
Daly adds size and elusive footwork to the Reds’ pack, making his Queensland debut in their trial against Panasonic Wild Knights.
- Joe Brial (Queensland Reds)
Brial returns home to Australia after shifting across the Tasman in 2020, already representing the NZ U20s.
The son of famous Wallaby Michael spent last year as a training partner with the Crusaders and played for Canterbury in the NPC.
The backrower’s return is a major boost for Australian Rugby, with the Reds likely eager to expose him to Super Rugby as soon as possible.
- Vuate Karawalevu (NSW Waratahs)
With all the talk of Mark Nawaqanitawase’s move to the Sydney Roosters, Karawalevu had done the opposite after representing Fiji at the rugby league World Cup.
The winger scored nine tries in eight games at the NSW Cup level before being released to play Shute Shield with West Harbour.
Karawalevu is a great finisher with a sizeable frame, earning natural comparisons to his fellow Fijian Nawaqanitawase
- Ned Slack-Smith (NSW Waratahs)
Slack Smith returns home to NSW after spending several years in the Force Academy.
The Warringah backrower has immense leadership qualities, vice-captaining the Junior Wallabies at the U20 Championships.
He will get first shot on Saturday at the number seven jersey left by Michael Hooper after his departure to Sevens.
