Before the 2019 Super Rugby squads were announced, players would have been re-affirmed, new signings prepared and arrangements made for the new season ahead. Only a number of months away, the October 31 timing saw numerous media releases, press conferences, and much anticipation, of the names listed.
After the coaching appointments were confirmed soon after the past 2018 season concluded, it was now the time for the Super Rugby squads to be named. This was across the board, with the New Zealand conference gaining much attention – after the regularity of title-winning teams, originating from New Zealand.
Although, with a Rugby World Cup to compete for, and the hint of more demands from the bill-payer (New Zealand Rugby) there may be more distractions in 2019, for any of the regular performing sides to ignore.
Who knows, the 2019 season might see a unique title winner steal the spotlight? (as the Queensland Reds achieved in 2011).
2019 Super Rugby squads announced
What is now known, is the make-up of all five franchise groups. From management to the players and their schedules. Some have announced preseason warm-up games already, but the prospect of the groups assembling soon is fast approaching.
What is not known though, are the Super Rugby squads combinations – if new names have been added. Where a player like Seta Taminivalu departs for Europe, the replacement player/s must then fill a void. So each franchise in the entire 2019 competition, has to consider their playing roster, as much as the philosophy, goal setting, and fitness programs.
The latter being fundamental to teams entering the season in ‘the right shape’ but, the former is critical too. Mentally, the 2019 season is long – unbroken by June Internationals, so teams will now play right from February to July, to complete the schedule.
And while the list of names are available below, their seeding may not be as much rated on last year. But it will be judged from the news, media releases, and coach/player interviews, and the views of the public rather than, any sports tipping site.
With the start scheduled for Friday February 15, that is now the goal, and the starting point for all Super Rugby squads to hit the line, all guns blazing!
Five NZ Conference Squads named
Ma'a nonu is back in business & heres the blues 2019 Super Rugby Squad.
?
With Auckland winning the Mitre 10 cup Premiership Recently will we see something similar from the Blues in 2019? ?? #Blues #SuperSigningDay #SuperRugby#SportsTalkNZ ? pic.twitter.com/VGa83xjdTF— SportsTalkNZ (@NZ_SportsTalk) October 31, 2018
? Drum roll please…here is the second squad out on #SuperSigningDay – @Hurricanesrugby!
READ ➡️ https://t.co/R388IPhMIF pic.twitter.com/wbKnm164Ra
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) October 30, 2018
?? @Highlanders looking strong for 2019! #SuperSigningDay pic.twitter.com/XVsPAchMy8
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) October 30, 2018
⚫️? The ???? ????????? ????? has been announced! What a team! ? Can they do a three-peat and go for #SuperRugby title no. 10? #2019crusade #crusadeon #wewill #rugbyunited ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/uk3QYZ72C7
— #RugbyCrusaders (@RugbyCrusaders) October 30, 2018
The 24th season of the competition, which is in the final year before a new broadcast deal, and by rights an altered schedule/team system, will continue to set the standard in the Southern Hemisphere. With teams from Japan and Argentina, the travel schedule for sides in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia will play as much of a part in 2019, as they ever had.
The ultimate winner could be from the ranked teams of last season, or…..it could quite well be a pleasant surprise.
Last Word on Rugby is looking forward to another brilliant season and, will bring all the news, views and results, over the next season.
h
