Coach: Leo Crowley
Home ground: Sky Stadium
2019: Second in Premiership (losing finalist)
Talking points
Du’Plessis Kirifi returns as captain of the Lions after leading the side to the final in 2019. At 23-years-old, Kirifi will remain one of the younger captains in the competition but doesn’t lack in experience. The New Plymouth-born loose forward established himself as a regular starter for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby this year and has pushed himself into the frame for higher honours with his strong form in the seven jersey. The biggest talking point in the squad is the return of 54-Test All Blacks wing Julian Savea to the squad. Savea first played for Wellington in 2010 and returns to his roots after spending three seasons playing for Toulon in France.
Player to watch
Alex Fidow’s star has been on the rise for a couple of seasons now but 2020 could be the year where he truly establishes himself as one of top front rowers in the country. The dynamic ball running prop has developed his game with more minutes at Super Rugby level for the Hurricanes and will take a leading role upfront for the Lions this season. With Dane Coles, Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong and Xavier Numia also vying for spots in the front row, the Lions will be spoilt for choice up front.
Wellington Lions squad
Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Fraser Armstrong, Vince Aso, Asafo Aumua, Ben Aumua-Peseta, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, James Blackwell, Dane Coles, Connor Collins, Caleb Delaney, Alex Fidow, Vaea Fifita, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen, Callum Harkin, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Mateaki Kafatolu, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Ruben Love, Aidan Morgan, Xavier Numia, James O'Reilly, Pepesana Patafilo, TJ Perenara, Taine Plumtree, Morgan Poi, James Poloniati, Billy Proctor, Trent Renata, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, Josiah Tavita-Metcalfe, Tyronne Thompson, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Peter Umaga-Jensen
Wellington Lions draw
Wellington v Waikato
Saturday 12 September
2.05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Auckland v Wellington
Sunday 20 September
4.35pm, Eden Park
Wellington v Bay of Plenty
Friday 25 September
7.05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Canterbury v Wellington (RS)
Saturday 3 October
7.05pm, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Wellington v Otago
Saturday 10 October
4.35pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wellington v North Harbour
Sunday 18 October
4.35pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Counties-Manukau v Wellington
Sunday 25 October
2.05pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Wellington v Tasman
Saturday 31 October
2.05pm, Porirua Park
Hawke’s Bay v Wellington
Sunday 8 November
2.05pm, McLean Park, Napier
Wellington v Manawatu
Saturday 14 November
7.05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington