Waikato first five Taha Kemara will spend the 2027 season with the Chiefs, replacing Jacomb before returning to the Crusaders in 2028. He has been granted a season-long move after the Crusaders brought seven-time champion Richie Mo’unga back from Japan.

The Crusaders have also added Blues and Northland midfielder Corey Evans but have confirmed only two new signings, leaving plenty of intrigue ahead of Wednesday’s squad announcement.

Hurricanes – squad announced at midday

Confirmed signings: Rohan Wingham (Highlanders), Hunter Morrison (Hawke’s Bay), Oliver Haig (Highlanders), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (Moana Pasifika), Bryn Hall (Kubota Spears).

Major losses: Tevita Mafileo (Chiefs), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Newcastle Red Bulls, England), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Benetton, Italy), Warner Dearns (Toshiba Brave Lupus, Japan), Devan Flanders (Urayasu D-Rocks, Japan), Ere Enari (Dragons, Wales), Riley Higgins (Edinburgh, Scotland), Bailyn Sullivan (Kubota Spears, Japan).

Highlanders – squad announced at 1pm

Confirmed signings: Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Ioane Moananu (Waratahs), Joseva Tamani (Fijian Drua), Shannon Frizell (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Josh Jacomb (Chiefs), Mika Muliaina (Southland), Patrick Pellegrini (Moana Pasifika), Tuna Tuitama (Moana Pasifika).

Major losses: Daniel Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Oliver Haig (Hurricanes), Nic Shearer (Blues), Cam Millar (Blues), Tanielu Teleʻa (Honda Heat, Japan), Jonah Lowe (Toshiba Brave Lupus, Japan).