Sullivan returns to Hawke's Bay, reuniting with younger brother Zarn in the black and white after captaining the Maori All Blacks earlier this year. The versatile outside back's return adds further quality and leadership to an already experienced backline.
The Magpies have also secured the services of Wallabies representative and Blues winger Darby Lancaster, whose pace and finishing ability provide another exciting attacking weapon heading into the new campaign.
The 38-man wider squad features 19 players with Super Rugby Pacific experience, including current All Blacks XV representatives Folau Fakatava and Harry Godfrey, alongside experienced campaigners such as Jacob Devery, Tyrone Thompson, Geoff Cridge, Hugh Renton, Jonah Lowe and Lincoln McClutchie.
The forward pack is bolstered by the arrival of former French Top 14 prop Clément Castets, while Fijian Drua loose forward Vilive Miramira adds further international experience. Cooper Flanders, Sam Smith and Frank Lochore provide depth and versatility through the loose forwards.
The backs combine established performers with exciting young talent. Fakatava, Godfrey and McClutchie lead the playmaking stocks, while Bryson Ioane, Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Nic Benn and Kere Penitito offer further options across the outside backs alongside Sullivan and Lancaster.
The squad also includes six players selected for the Magpies for the first time following standout club seasons, including Napier Old Boys' Marist loose forward Patrick Mauga, who is currently representing New Zealand at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.
Head Coach Brock James said the squad reflected another successful season of club rugby across the region.
"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."
The Magpies open their 2026 NPC campaign away to Wellington before returning home to McLean Park to host Tasman on Saturday 8 August.
2026 Magpies squad
Hadlee Hay-Horton, Nik Patumaka, Josh Smith, Joe Apikotoa, Lolani Faleiva, Manahi Goulton, Jacob Devery, Tyrone Thompson, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Geoff Cridge, Hunter Morrison, Tom Allen, Zach Taulapapa, Frank Lochore, Tiaki Fabish, Vilive Miramira, Sam Smith, Cooper Flanders, Liam Udy-Johns, Hugh Renton, Patrick Mauga, Folau Fakatava, Connor McLeod, Kade Manuel, Harry Godfrey, Lincoln McClutchie, Will Cole, Luka Ripley, Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Bryson Ioane, Bailyn Sullivan, Jonah Lowe, Neria Fomai, Darby Lancaster, Nic Benn, Kere Penitoto, Andrew Tauatevalu, Zarn Sullivan