The real talking point around Moana Pasifika’s third season is not so much about who is on the playing roster, but in the coaching box.

Former All Black captain and Blues head coach Tana Umaga takes over from Aaron Mauger and is joined by Tom Coventry and Welsh rugby legend Stephen Jones.

In all, there are 20 new contracted players in a squad that boasts 19 players that featured at Rugby World Cup 2023, and 11 Super Rugby debutants.

Julian Savea is the big name signing out wide, where he joins the impressive cohort of Nigel Ah Wong, Neria Fomai, Anzelo Tuitavuki and Villiame Fine.

There’s a couple of new faces in the front row, James Lay shifts down the road from the Blues and Sateki Latu comes in from the Waratahs. Englishman Tom Savage is an interesting signing, coming in at age 34 after a long career at Gloucester.

-RNZ