free jacks move on to super rugby

The Free Jacks confirm 2 current and 3 former Free Jacks have been named to Super Rugby Pacific squads for the 2024 season. 

Mills Sanerivi (Free Jack #60) departs after two seasons (2022 and 2023) with the club, signed to a wider training contract with the Waikato Chiefs. Mills was a huge contributor during this period and played a key role during the 2023 championship season. During Mills’ career to date with the Free Jacks he has made 31 appearances including 8 tries.

Semisi Paea (Free Jack #75) departs to a full contract with Moana Pasifika after his first season with the Free Jacks where he played a significant role on the road to the championship, making 13 appearances (starting 10 games). The versatile flanker/lock impressed during the Rugby World Cup with Tonga, and has deservingly been rewarded with a contract at super rugby level. 

“We are delighted for Mills and Semisi,” commented General Manager Tom Kindley on the departures. “Although sad to see them go, if we are running a strong program, a by-product will be opportunities for our players in top tier competitions on occasion and we want that for them. At 24 years of age, Mills and Semisi are well positioned for fantastic careers and we would like to think their time at the Free Jacks will hold them in good stead on their journeys. They are both great representatives of what we stand for and we thank them for their massive contributions on and off-field towards what we are building at the Free Jacks.”

3 Former Free Jacks have also been selected for Super Rugby Pacific 2024 squads. Prop Donald Brighouse (Free Jack #2), picks up his first full super rugby contract with Moana Pasifika after a championship winning NPC campaign with Taranaki. Free Jack #32 Sef Fa’agase remains with the Queensland Reds where he is becoming a veterans of the side, and versatile Fijian back Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (Free Jack #49) is back with the Fijian Drua.