New Zealand’s five Super Rugby franchises have announced their 2016 playing squads ahead of next year’s restructured Super Rugby competition.

With Japan’s Sunwolves, South Africa’s Southern Kings and an Argentinian side set to enter the 18-team competition, Australia’s five sides will compete directly against the New Zealand franchises for playoff positions.

Under the new system, the winner of both the Australian and New Zealand pools will qualify automatically for the playoffs, with the next three best sides in the newly formed ‘Australasian’ group (all 10 Australian and New Zealand sides) claiming wildcard spots in the playoffs.

Highlanders (2015 – Champions)

Alex Ainley, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Elliot Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Jackson Hemopo, Josh Hohneck, Daniel Lienert-Brown, James Lentjes, Craig Millar, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Dan Pryor, Mark Reddish, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock, Joe Wheeler, Marty Banks, Richard Buckman, Jason Emery, Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Hayden Parker, Josh Renton, Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaki Tanaka, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Ryan Tongia, Teihorangi Walden.

Hurricanes (2015 – Finalists)

Mark Abbott, Pita Ahki, Leni Apisai, Vince Aso, Beauden Barrett, Otere Black, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Geoffrey Cridge, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Reggie Goodes, Willis Halaholo, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Cory Jane, Tony Lamborn, Ngani Laumape, Christian Lloyd, James Marshall, Motu Matu’u, Ben May, Nehe Milner-Skudder, TJ Perenara, Matt Proctor, Hugh Renton, Hisa Sasagi, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Blade Thomson, Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, Loni Uhila, TJ Va’a, Victor Vito, Jason Woodward.

Chiefs (2015 – Semi finalists)

Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Dominic Bird, Sam Cane, Stephen Donald, Aaron Cruden, Hika Elliot, Glen Fisiiahi, Siegfried Fisiihoi, Mitchell Graham, Nathan Harris, Andrew Horrell, Mitchell Karpik, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tevita Koloamatangi, Nepo Laulala, Michael Leitch, Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe, Pauliasi Manu, Rhys Marshall, Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol, Atu Moli, Charlie Ngatai, Augustine Pulu, Toni Pulu, Brodie Retallick, Tom Sanders, Teleni Seu, Shaun Stevenson, Seta Tamanivalu, Chase Tiatia, Siate Tokolahi, James Tucker, Maama Vaipulu, Latu Vaeno, Sam Vaka, Brad Weber, Sonny Bill Williams.

Crusaders (2015 – 7th)

Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Alex Hodgman, Michael Alaalatoa, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Codie Taylor, Ged Robinson, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Jimmy Tupou, Scott Barrett, Pete Samu, Jordan Taufua, Tim Boys, Matt Todd, Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Mitchell Drummond, Ben Volavola, Richie Mo’unga, Marty Mckenzie, David Havili, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Robbie Fruean, Nemani Nadolo, Jone Macilai, Sione Fifita, Johnny McNicholl, Sean Wainui, Mitchell Hunt, Tim Perry (Medical Exemption), Jed Brown (Medical Exemption), Jack Goodhue  (Medical Exemption), Israel Dagg  (Medical Exemption), Leon Fukofuka (WTG),Mitchell Dunshea (WTG).

Blues (2015 – 14th)

James Parsons, Matt Moulds, Quentin MacDonald, Nic Mayhew, Sam Prattley, Charlie Faumuina, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sione Mafileo, Namatahi Waa, Patrick Tuipulotu, Gerrard Tuioti-Mariner, Hoani Matenga, Josh Bekhuis, Scott Scrafton, Jerome Kaino, Blake Gibson, Kara Pryor, Jack Ram, Steven Luatua, Akira Ioane, Joe Edwards, Bryn Hall, Sam Nock, Billy Guyton, Ihaia West, Matt McGahan, Dan Bowden, Piers Francis, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, Michael Little, Tevita Li, Ben Lam, Melani Nanai, Lolagi Visinia, Matt Duffie, Jordan Trainor.