SIX TO WATCH

ISA NAISARANI

Age: 22 Club: Brumbies Position: Back row A Wallaby-in-waiting, Naisarani gave up the chance to play for his native Fiji to go for a spot at the 2019 World Cup for adopted country Australia. He will have to wait until March 2019 before he becomes eligible for Australia but Super Rugby fans will get a good look at the former Western Force star this year. Should form a potent back row with the returning David Pocock, Lachie McCaffrey, Tom Cusack, Lolo Fakaosilea and Rob Valetini also on the Brumbies’ books.

CALEB CLARKE

Age: 18 Club: Blues Position: Winger The son of former All Black, Eroni Clarke, the powerful winger is set to follow in the footsteps of Blues teammate Rieko Ioane, who played for the national sevens side as a 17-year-old before having a breakout year in Super Rugby in 2017. Clarke showed he has what it takes by making the New Zealand Sevens squad for the recent Sydney Sevens tournament in the World Series.

TYREL LOMAX

Age: 21 Club: Highlanders Position: Prop At 127kg, Lomax is a giant of a frontrower who will be looking to make a name for himself in Super Rugby after switching from the Rebels in 2017. The 21-year-old was a stand-out in last year’s World U20s Championships, named the Australian U20s player of the year, before signing with the Rebels. He is the son of former Raiders and Kiwis NRL star John.

TIM AGABA

Age: 28 Club: Bulls Position: Back row Born in Uganda, Agaba was a member of the South African Sevens team that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Agaba will be hoping to transfer the form he has shown playing in the Sevens World Series into Super Rugby after making the switch to the 15-man game.

WILL JORDAN

Age: 20 Club: Crusaders Position: Fullback A stand-out performer when the Baby Blacks won the world championships last year, Jordan is one of several decent youngsters coming through at the Crusaders. He was selected in the Tasman provincial team for the Mitre 10 Cup this year, and had a remarkable debut season. He was second only to new teammate Braydon Ennor for the number of clean breaks

FILIPO DAUGUNU

Age: 22 Club: Reds Position: Winger A former Fijian football international, Filipo Daugunu, was a star for Brad Thorn’s Queensland Country team that won the National Rugby Championship last season. Thorn will expect a lot from the flying former goalkeeper this season.