Experience meets youth in exciting 2026 Southland Stags squad

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy and Paula Latu will be key figures for the Southland Stags this season. (File photo)

There’s a lot to like about the first official Southland Stags squad named by head coach Scott Eade and his coaching team.

Eade has stepped into the head coaching role after Nathan White and James Wilson moved on following last season.

The squad features 15 players with Super Rugby Pacific experience, two Japanese League One players, three All Blacks Sevens representatives, three New Zealand Under-20 players currently at the World Cup in Georgia, and a couple of others from professional environments.

Tayne Harvey will be looking for first crack in the number 12 jumper. (File photo)

Two players looking for big seasons will be Fletcher Morgan and Tayne Harvey, who will have their eyes on the number 12 jersey.

Eade said the group had been carefully assembled to provide the right balance ahead of the 2026 campaign.

'We're excited about the group we've assembled,“ he said.

It combines experienced players who know what it takes at this level with young players who have earned their opportunity through hard work and development.

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa will be a key figure for the Stags again this season. (File photo)

'We've also welcomed some quality additions who will strengthen the squad and complement the talent we already have. Now the focus shifts to preparing well and building a team that Southland can be proud of.'

The squad includes returning captain Sean Withy, All Black Ethan de Groot, and a number of players who have progressed through Rugby Southland's academy and club pathway.

While de Groot has been named, fans are unlikely to see much of him as he embarks on a busy season with the All Blacks.

Jack Sexton, who now has some Super Rugby games under his belt, will be looking to make the loosehead prop position his own. (File photo)

Nevertheless, the engine room remains a strength, with 10 players having been in and around Super Rugby set-ups this season.

Nic Shearer’s running game will be a key for the Stags. (File photo)

The loose forwards also look strong with plenty of pace and power, while Southland has three strong options at halfback to pick from.

The outside backs are also exciting, with the Stags possessing some genuine try-scoring options.

First-five Mika Muliaina made massive strides last year and will be tasked with driving the side around the paddock again.

They face Otago next Friday in a warm-up match at 2.30pm in Riverton.

The Southland Stags squad for 2026 is:

Ethan de Groot, Jack Sexton, Jack Barrett, Hunter Fahey, Jack Taylor, Aukusitino Salanoa, Shaun Kempton, Paula Latu, Sef Faagase, Ale Aho, Mitch Dunshea, Clem Halaholo, Alex Yallop, Sean Withy (c), Gregor Rutledge, Konrad Toleafoa, Sam Fischli, Caleb Karangaroa, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Nic Shearer, Charlie Marsh, Jackson Hughan, Mika Muliaina, Jimmy Taylor, Takaya Saito, Tayne Harvey, Fletcher Morgan, Hayata Taniyama, Scott Gregory, Michael Manson, Josh Augustine, Glen Vaihu, Denzel Samoa.