Hawke's Bay Rugby has today announced its 2026 Magpies NPC squad, featuring a strong blend of Super Rugby Pacific experience, emerging local talent and exciting new additions ahead of the upcoming season.

A standout feature of the 38-man wider squad is the inclusion of 19 players with Super Rugby Pacific experience, providing a strong foundation as the Magpies prepare to compete in New Zealand's toughest domestic rugby competition. Of the 38 players selected, 31 were educated in Hawke's Bay or have progressed through the highly successful Hawke's Bay Rugby Academy, highlighting the strength of the region's player development pathway. 

The squad also reflects Hawke's Bay Rugby's commitment to nurturing local talent, with six club players earning their first Magpies selection following outstanding performances during the club season. Among them is former St John's College First XV and current Napier Old Boys' Marist loose forward Patrick Maunga, who is currently representing New Zealand at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Only three members of the wider squad have not previously played club rugby in Hawke's Bay – former French Top 14 prop Clem Castets, Wallabies and newly announced Blues winger Darby Lancaster, and experienced Fijian Drua loose forward Vilive Miramira – bringing further quality, leadership and international experience to the squad. 

Stand-in Magpies Coach Sam McNicol said he was excited by the balance and depth within the group.

 "We're excited and proud of the squad we've assembled for the season. We have a great balance of experienced professionals and some fresh faces who are hungry to compete and earn their opportunities. The competition for places is strong, which will help drive standards throughout the campaign."

 Head Coach Brock James, currently in Georgia leading the New Zealand Under 20 side, said the squad reflected another successful season of local rugby.

"On the back of another outstanding club season, where we've seen some fantastic rugby and a highly competitive race for the title, we're really looking forward to getting back to McLean Park in front of our loyal Magpies supporters."

"We've assembled an exciting group, with some familiar faces returning to Hawke's Bay alongside local talent who have earned their selection through our clubs, wider training group and the Hawke's Bay Rugby Academy system."

Hawke's Bay Rugby Chief Executive Jay Campbell said the work undertaken behind the scenes had positioned the Magpies well for the challenges ahead.

"Brock, Sam and Ellery have worked tirelessly to develop our wider training group and bring these players up to the minimum standard required for the NPC. As a result, the coaching team believes there is genuine depth across every position in this year's squad. Everyone involved is excited by the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead."

Campbell acknowledged the demanding nature of the NPC competition.

"The NPC is one of the toughest provincial competitions in the world, with Super Rugby-quality players spread across every team. We know there are no easy games, and our players understand they need to perform consistently every week if we're going to achieve success. We believe this squad has the talent, depth and character to meet that challenge."

The Magpies now turn their attention to final preparations ahead of the opening round of the 2026 NPC season. They begin their campaign away against Wellington before returning to McLean Park to host the Tasman Mako on Saturday, 8 August.

The full 2026 Magpies squad will be officially presented to Hawke's Bay Rugby sponsors at the unions season launch next Thursday at Clubs Napier.