Highlanders 2020

The Highlanders are the NZ Super Rugby franchise that will be affected most by the annual and post-RWC player exodus. On top of that, many of their 2019 squad haven't re-signed, yet, which is a worry. The Highlanders managed to reach the play-offs in 2019, but will they be able to repeat that in 2020 with a squad heavily depleted of it most experienced and high profile players?

In this blog post, I have listed all the players that were in the 2019 Highlanders squad, who are leaving and who have re-signed. I will update this list when further signings or departures are announced.

1. The recruitment in which position is the most urgent?
2. Who of the players of the initial 2019 squad would you like to see signed for 2020 (or longer)?
3. Who of the few players that played in 2019, but weren't in the initial squad, would you like to see signed for 2020 (or longer)?
4. Which other player, who hasn't played for the Highlanders in 2019, would be on your wish list?
5. Which player, who hasn't been signed yet, but played for the Highlanders in 2019, don't you want to be signed?

Blog post:

I noticed in your thread you have T Umaga Jensen as an outside back. Pretty sure he’s only ever played in the midfield.

@Canes4life Agreed, but as you can read in my blog post, I've followed the squad guide for the determination of a player's position. In the 2019 Highlanders squad guide, they have him as a wing/fullback.

1. Geez big question Lock,Loose Forwards and outside backs.probably the crucial ones
   2 .Frizzell and Whetton, Parkinson they are vulnerable and may move.
   4.Taukei'aho,Debreczeni,J Barrett,S Reece,Walker-Leware, are all not signed not much chance of getting any of them but thats a decent wish list.

Heard a fairly solid rumour that the Highlanders have offered Jordie Barrett massive money for next year. I've always disliked the guy, but could deal with it.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2020:

Heard a fairly solid rumour that the Highlanders have offered Jordie Barrett massive money for next year. I've always disliked the guy, but could deal with it.

Is he Worth Massive Money ? I don't think he is.

@SouthernMann To play in the midfield?

If he ends up at fullback again he might as well re-sign with the Canes, unless the $$$ is the big motivator.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2020:

Heard a fairly solid rumour that the Highlanders have offered Jordie Barrett massive money for next year. I've always disliked the guy, but could deal with it.

I’ve never really understood the hate he gets from fans. Im sure plenty of people think he has been “over rated” but that isn’t of his doing. That is the media and the AB coaches (who are actually the ones best placed to “rate” him).

At first it appeared to be a bit of push back against the anti Dmac stuff but it has gone past that now.

Regardless, i hope he stays at the Canes where BB should have stayed.

@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2020:

@SouthernMann To play in the midfield?

If he ends up at fullback again he might as well re-sign with the Canes, unless the $$$ is the big motivator.

Our midfield stock is a lot stronger than our outside backs. So presume he will have to play 15.

Apparently Dagg said last night on Kick Off that Jordie is heading down to the Crusaders next year.

@Canes4life all I have been told is the most lucrative offer for him is down at the Highlanders

And the Canes CEO seems to think he isn’t going anywhere so i guess time will tell.

@Canes4life He should just stay at the Canes

@Chris his partner is from Chch so she may sway him.

@Canes4life like BB

@Chris The Barrett’s obviously don’t wear the pants.

@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2020:

@Chris his partner is from Chch so she may sway him.

Or he just wants to play with his other brother, now that BB has left the Canes.

@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2020:

@Chris his partner is from Chch so she may sway him.

Why does it not surprise me in the slightest that you know this.

Surely a move to the Duns is on the cards for Jordie. He'll finally be able to get to the right house to have his maccas.

@MN5 not rocket science mate, just read Stuff.