Profitt new inclusion in Super Rugby squads

Will Johnston

Photo: LDV Photography

Taranaki prop Jared Proffit’s season has been rewarded after being named in the Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific squad for next year.

One of 13 Taranaki players snapped up by Super Rugby franchises named sporadically today, Profitt was Taranaki’s forward of the year for his efforts during the national provincial championship (NPC).

It will be the 29-year-old's first full-time Super Rugby contract. The Clifton rep have been close last year after being called into the Hurricanes and played one match against Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium in April.

Not only a strong scrummager, Proffit has a high work rate around the field and played in all 10 outings this season totaling 62 matches for the province.

He joins Kaylum Boshier, Josh Lord, Bradley Slater, Pita Gus Sowakula and Tupou Vaa’i as other Taranaki representatives in the Chiefs.

After playing one game for the Chiefs this season, loose forward Tom Florence has been left out of all teams. It has been a rough year for the 24-year-old after suffering a leg injury in Taranaki’s match against Northland at Pukekura Park. It meant he could only play in five NPC matches.

Taranaki captain and midfield back Teihorangi Walden has also missed out on a contract. Walden has been plagued by injury which only saw him play three matches for the Hurricanes last season. Although he played most of Taranaki’s matches this year, Walden had a high tackle completion rate.

Meanwhile, Kini Naholo will play for his third Super Rugby franchise after he joined the Hurricanes.

Previously, the winger played one game for the Chiefs in 2020, had a lay off in 2021 before playing a solitary match this season for the Crusaders.

Jordie Barrett continues his commitment with the Hurricanes.

Beauden Barrett, Stephen Perofeta, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Ricky Riccitelli stay with the Blues. 

Scott Barrett is Taranaki’s only player to re-signed with the Crusaders.

The competition kicks off on Friday, February 24 when the Crusaders host the Chiefs in Christchurch.

Taranaki Super Rugby players:

Blues:

Beauden Barrett
Stephen Perofeta
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Ricky Riccitelli

Chiefs:

Kaylum Boshier
Jared Proffit
Josh Lord
Bradley Slater
Pita Gus Sowakula
Tupou Vaa’i

Hurricanes:
Jordie Barrett
Kini Naholo

Crusaders:

Scott Barrett