Highlanders 2025

Guess it is time to move to next year then...

Props:
Ethan de Groot (2026)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (2025)
Ayden Johnstone (?)
Jermaine Ainsley (GONE)
Saula Ma'u (?)
Rohan Wingham (?)

Hookers:
Henry Bell (2025)
Jack Taylor (2026)
Ricky Jackson (Soane Vikena to Replace)

Locks:
Fabian Holland (2026)
Mitch Dunshea (2025)
Will Tucker (Off-Contract - Not yet re-signed)
Pari Pari Parkinson (Will Stodart to Replace)
Max Hicks (?)

Loose Forwards:
Oliver Haig (2026)
Tom Sanders (2025)
Hugh Renton (2025)
Hayden Michaels (2026)
Billy Harmon (Vaiolini Ekuasi to Replace)
Sean Withy (?)
Nikora Broughton (?)

Halfbacks:
Folau Fakatava (2025)
Nathan Hastie (2026)
James Arscott (?)

First Fives:
Cam Millar (2026)
Ajay Faleafaga (2026)
Rhys Patchell (GONE)

Midfielders:
Sam Gilbert (?)
Jake Te Hiwi (2026)
Tanielu Tele'a (Off-Contract - Supposedly re-signed)
Josh Timu (Josh Whaanga to replace)
Matt Whaanga (Thomas Umaga-Jensen to replace)

Outside Backs:
Jona Nareki (2025)
Timoci Tavatavanawai (2025)
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (2025)
Jonah Lowe (2025)
Connor Garden-Bachop (Finn Hurley to replace)
Martin Bogado (Caleb Tangitau to replace)

So basically a tighthead, 2x locks and a first five.

@frugby Any news on Hugo Plummer?

@Tim said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby Any news on Hugo Plummer?

I've heard nothing, so would guess the coaches didn't really rate him. Wouldn't rule out Tucker yet being re-signed. Will boil down to whether he can shake off his repeated toe injury.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

Billy Harmon (Vaiolini Ekuasi to Replace)

I would be stoked if we could land him. Hope the rumours are true. Him, Renton and Stodart would provide great competition and depth at 8.

Going to need to find some another couple locks, you would think Tucker gets an offer to stay around due to the fact the locking stocks aren’t exactly great right now. Due to that I’m guessing Hicks gets an offer as well. First I’ve heard of Timu leaving, is that speculation or is his contract up? Dont recall seeing him in the Highlanders post/announcement they did of the players leaving.

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

Billy Harmon (Vaiolini Ekuasi to Replace)

I would be stoked if we could land him. Hope the rumours are true. Him, Renton and Stodart would provide great competition and depth at 8.

Going to need to find some another couple locks, you would think Tucker gets an offer to stay around due to the fact the locking stocks aren’t exactly great right now. Due to that I’m guessing Hicks gets an offer as well. First I’ve heard of Timu leaving, is that speculation or is his contract up? Dont recall seeing him in the Highlanders post/announcement they did of the players leaving.

• I'm hearing Ekuasi is looking good. I don't know whether the deal is complete yet, but I'd suggest more likely than not

• Tucker has an issue with his foot that may rule him out of the NPC... I wouldn't be surprised if the Highlanders hold a contract for him though should he prove fitness

• On Hicks, wouldn't be surprised if he is also yet to receive an offer. Stodart on paper at least seems like a replacement for him, particularly as Ekuasi is being sought.

• Timu is off-contract, J Whaanga and TUJ have been signed. I'd be stunned if Timu is re-signed. Those announced as leaving, were those 100% not coming back because they had signed elsewhere. For example, Ricky Jackson was not announced as leaving, even though Vikena had already been signed.

I'd be quite disaapointed if we let Hicks go, and he is keen to stay. A 2m lock/six. His utility value and ability to cover options off the bench is very useful. Especially as it seems we will be heavy with carrying 6/8s. To let a guy like that go, we need to have a viable replacement. I don't see any options jumping up and down. I'd be happy with Holland, Dunshea, Tucker and Hicks as our locks. I hope they carry a third specialist first five and Byron Smith shows his value for Southland. What I've seen on him, he looks a decent young player. Sam Gilbert will be back, of course. I do wonder if, as our squad improves whether his value will continue. He has had some many opportuniities and never nails down roles. Is just a utility now.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

I'd be quite disaapointed if we let Hicks go, and he is keen to stay. A 2m lock/six. His utility value and ability to cover options off the bench is very useful. Especially as it seems we will be heavy with carrying 6/8s. To let a guy like that go, we need to have a viable replacement. I don't see any options jumping up and down. I'd be happy with Holland, Dunshea, Tucker and Hicks as our locks. I hope they carry a third specialist first five and Byron Smith shows his value for Southland. What I've seen on him, he looks a decent young player. Sam Gilbert will be back, of course. I do wonder if, as our squad improves whether his value will continue. He has had some many opportuniities and never nails down roles. Is just a utility now.

I doubt Hicks goes, but if Stodart and Ekuasi come in, would feel like a loose forward realistically has to drop out? I suppose Hicks could then fill one of the two lock spots, but on the basis there are four gaps still not filled, I'd hedge my bets that he isn't yet signed.

As you say, with what is available on the face of things, I'd keep Hicks. May come down to profile of player. Could be one of Hicks/Tucker and maybe a more powerful lock in the mould of Dunshea?

The management will be working out timings of the younger guys coming through too. Where do they see the development of Josh Tengblad, Reuben Palmer and Ale Aho. Which ones do they see as certain Super players, and which do they want to watch a bit more. Tengblad is first year out of school, but super tall. Palmer is more physically imposing weight wise, just not quite as tall, I've read. We should get a look at Aho this provincial season. As a genuine big guy, I've got highest hopes for Tingblad. If they see Tengblad a couple of years away, then they need to have a space opening up for him in 26/27. Does Dunshea chase the yen in a couple of years, if so, who is the right man to replace him then. After that rant around development planning, Hicks stays in my mind. He does a capable job.

A riskier move would be to take three locks in Holland, Dunshea and Tucker, and then have Haig and Stodart covering lock. I don't like that though.

The management team it doesn't seem as as satisfied with Hayden Michael's development as they may have hoped. He will be an interesting guy to track for Southland. I reckon the ability of Ekusai to also play seven may have been a big selling point.

If we were an NRL club we would try and get rid of Lowe and Sanders. Unfortunately, they will be back next year.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

The management will be working out timings of the younger guys coming through too. Where do they see the development of Josh Tengblad, Reuben Palmer and Ale Aho. Which ones do they see as certain Super players, and which do they want to watch a bit more. Tengblad is first year out of school, but super tall. Palmer is more physically imposing weight wise, just not quite as tall, I've read. We should get a look at Aho this provincial season. As a genuine big guy, I've got highest hopes for Tingblad. If they see Tengblad a couple of years away, then they need to have a space opening up for him in 26/27. Does Dunshea chase the yen in a couple of years, if so, who is the right man to replace him then. After that rant around development planning, Hicks stays in my mind. He does a capable job.

A riskier move would be to take three locks in Holland, Dunshea and Tucker, and then have Haig and Stodart covering lock. I don't like that though.

The management team it doesn't seem as as satisfied with Hayden Michael's development as they may have hoped. He will be an interesting guy to track for Southland. I reckon the ability of Ekusai to also play seven may have been a big selling point.

If we were an NRL club we would try and get rid of Lowe and Sanders. Unfortunately, they will be back next year.

I have full faith that they are planning these things...

On Michaels, what makes you think they haven't been satisfied with his development? Not uncommon for a loose forward to not play in their first season of Super Rugby.

I think Ekuasi has been signed as a direct Harmon replacement, ala someone who plays 7&8. Adds to an exciting young loose forward mix.

Back to Hicks, could be as simple as they don't want to overcommit themselves in case they can sign Frizell. I'm guessing that whole thing isn't yet sorted. Probably not room for both + Haig and Stodart in the squad?

https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/landers-chat/odt-landers-chat-jamie-joseph?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2KyX7ZkTqR3s2Kc2MeZkorqSLGlJEI56x59u39IfVXkBGRuaPetnGgJpk_aem_u2PpiBPaNIdOmTSDK_jUMQ.
A catch up between Paul Dwyer and Jamie Joseph. Some of the key points

• the obvious. The passing of Connor Garden-Bachop has been difficult for the entire organisation. Has delayed some of the BAU work.
• Expect a signing or three to be announced publicly in the next couple of weeks - if this forum is anything to go by, probably Vikena, Tangitau and potentially Ekusai
• Jamie has found it difficult being in a backroom role
• He is managing the recruitment
• Kenny Lynn's departure was unexpected, and wasn't possible to do both jobs
• It is difficult to attract players from out of region
• There will be a player or two signed out of NPC

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Vikena, Tangitau and potentially Ekusai

Plus Tele'a, maybe Byron Smith etc. Becoming 'Auckland south' at this rate. The Landers might have to be my 'other team' next season!

@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Vikena, Tangitau and potentially Ekusai

Plus Tele'a, maybe Byron Smith etc. Becoming 'Auckland south' at this rate. The Landers might have to be my 'other team' next season!

I'm excited to see Byron Smith go around. It has been a long time since we've had a talented 10 just fall on our lap like that. Will be good to add him to the stable. If he stands up.

Would expect Josh Whaanga and Finn Hurley to be the first two announced? Vikena and Tangitau to follow as they were the next two done deals... maybe also the return of Umaga-Jensen.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

Would expect Josh Whaanga and Finn Hurley to be the first two announced? Vikena and Tangitau to follow as they were the next two done deals... maybe also the return of Umaga-Jensen.

Quite possibly. Both those players have been regularly sign poseted in articles from Irish Paul, and on the ODT Chat shows. As well as in open commentary from franchise management. They are known. Sure a nice social media post gets the warm fuzzies going. Umaga-Jensen is just an under contract player. Not sure that needs to be reiterated.

What I read into the waiting for the NPC, is that they probably are looking at a Byron Smith to fill that 10 spot, and they have exhausted all the players they were interested in at prop and lock.

Jamie basically said that in regards to prop, so here is hoping we can find the next Pasilio Tosi!

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

What I read into the waiting for the NPC, is that they probably are looking at a Byron Smith to fill that 10 spot, and they have exhausted all the players they were interested in at prop and lock.

Jamie basically said that in regards to prop, so here is hoping we can find the next Pasilio Tosi!

When the Highlanders had the original Pasilio Tosi offered up on a gold plate to us several years ago. Same with Josh Moorby. Really had our blinkers on to Southland players for several years.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

What I read into the waiting for the NPC, is that they probably are looking at a Byron Smith to fill that 10 spot, and they have exhausted all the players they were interested in at prop and lock.

Jamie basically said that in regards to prop, so here is hoping we can find the next Pasilio Tosi!

When the Highlanders had the original Pasilio Tosi offered up on a gold plate to us several years ago. Same with Josh Moorby. Really had our blinkers on to Southland players for several years.

Moorby was a total fuck up when you consider the players chosen over him... in fairness with Tosi, I'm not sure anybody ever saw him being this good. If you go back through the Canes 2023 thread, people were saying they'd be happy to see him leave.

There is a guy who has come on out of nowhere. As a sidenote, he is two years older than Ma'u, who is a very similar body shape. He has now played 37 Super Rugby games, so whatever happens next year is a massive year for him. I still maintain with the right coaching, he could fill the gap left by Ainsley... that said you need two at least, and I think Wingham is still some way short of being ready to play Super Rugby consistently.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

What I read into the waiting for the NPC, is that they probably are looking at a Byron Smith to fill that 10 spot, and they have exhausted all the players they were interested in at prop and lock.

Jamie basically said that in regards to prop, so here is hoping we can find the next Pasilio Tosi!

When the Highlanders had the original Pasilio Tosi offered up on a gold plate to us several years ago. Same with Josh Moorby. Really had our blinkers on to Southland players for several years.

Moorby was a total fuck up when you consider the players chosen over him... in fairness with Tosi, I'm not sure anybody ever saw him being this good. If you go back through the Canes 2023 thread, people were saying they'd be happy to see him leave.

There is a guy who has come on out of nowhere. As a sidenote, he is two years older than Ma'u, who is a very similar body shape. He has now played 37 Super Rugby games, so whatever happens next year is a massive year for him. I still maintain with the right coaching, he could fill the gap left by Ainsley... that said you need two at least, and I think Wingham is still some way short of being ready to play Super Rugby consistently.

More sucessful clubs would have taken the risk on Tosi. At that time we were in the shit a bit, and and focused on more safe players. It is the same with Moorby. We picked guys like Alaimalo, Gregory, Koroi and the list goes on. He should hwve been a mainstay in our back three instead we chased out of region players.

Millar and Faleafaga should be better next year with one more npc behind them. I am expecting a 5th or 6th place at the end of the 2025 SR.

Spoke with Solomone Tukuafu today at the Waikato women's final. He said he absolutely loved being at the Landers and wants to get back again next year.

@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2025:

Spoke with Solomone Tukuafu today at the Waikato women's final. He said he absolutely loved being at the Landers and wants to get back again next year.

I don't think it matters whether they want him back, or whether he is good enough to go back. What screams is that he wants to go back. That says rhe culture is steaming in the right direction.

@SouthernMann he said he really enjoyed the environment, the boys and management were great and he loved Dunedin.

Geez, reading all this is giving me a lot of hype for next year already. Lots of promising young players coming down, a year of NPC and players will be more experienced for super and returning players potentially like TUJ and Frizell. Exciting times for next year already

Five players to be confirmed publicly at 9 am. Tangitau, Vikena, viveni Lasaqa, Josh Whaanga and Will Stodart. Happy to see Vikena and Tangitau confirmed. Don't know anything about Lasaqa. The local lads were well known.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Don't know anything about Lasaqa.

Do the Highlanders need another 7? Lasaqa was in the Hurricanes WTG, and in the Chiefs system before that. BOP player.

Lasaqa a hilariously good signing in regards to the rumour mill. Following on from the Highlanders signing Mark Telea this year, obviously this time around it was a Fijian flanker whose name starts with V...

I could be surprised, but obviously it has been twisted from Veveni Lasaqa to Vailani Ekuasi (which is what I had heard too)

Overall, happy with these signings, Whaanga on a three year deal says they really rate him, so good to see them showing the faith. A little confused why Hurley hasn't been announced, but you'd assume Cully's oil is correct, and on the evidence of him playing the quarter-final you'd have to think they rate him?

@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Don't know anything about Lasaqa.

Do the Highlanders need another 7? Lasaqa was in the Hurricanes WTG, and in the Chiefs system before that. BOP player.

Definitely like three opensides, it is a specialist position.

Love the 5 signings, all signings with an eye on the future and all come with pedigree.

Interesting to see how Lasaqa plays out, he was the Canes development team player of the year last season. Log jam of good loose forwards there so taken a chance elsewhere, an opportunity to fight for game time behind Withy in the 7 jersey.

Stodart, Whaanga, Vikena and Tangitau all come with NZ u20s experience and big potential. Exciting signings and some of the better signings in regards to potential and current age in recent memory. Looking forward to watching them come NPC time.

I wonder if we have another 1 or 2 higher profile signings or if the spots will be filled by some NPC players like Jamie Joseph was saying in his interview. Hurley obviously being one.

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:

Love the 5 signings, all signings with an eye on the future and all come with pedigree.

Interesting to see how Lasaqa plays out, he was the Canes development team player of the year last season. Log ham of good loose forwards there so taken a chance elsewhere.

Stodart, Whaanga, Vikena and Tangitau all come with NZ u20s experience and big potential. Exciting signings and some of the better signings in regards to potential and current age in recent memory. Looking forward to watching them come NPC time.

I wonder if we have another 1 or 2 higher profile signings or if the spots will be filled by some NPC players like Jamie Joseph was saying in his interview. Hurley obviously being one.

Great pick up getting Lasaga, he has a young Ardie look about him, very mobile, big work-rate and has plenty of power which is something the Landers seem to be lacking in their loose forward mix, having called on the more hard grafting loosies instead. If the Hurricanes didn't have Lakai, Kirifi and Savea, they would have certainly snapped up Lasaga so a great signing indeed.

All of those signings are strong, the Highlanders are definitely going to be looking dangerous next year which is great to see. Please stay ahead of the Saders.

Soane Vikena is an interesting one. He's technically more experienced than the two guys they've already got but he's had such limited game time in the last few years. Is he a better long-term prospect than either Bell or Taylor? I'm not certain. Is he a better short-term option? The jury's out on that too. Still, not a bad signing by any means!

I do wonder what story the three external guys have been sold by JJ. Tangitau needs to be in the 23 each week. Lasaqa should be too. Vikena as a likely bench player?

@Mr-Fish said in Highlanders 2025:

Soane Vikena is an interesting one. He's technically more experienced than the two guys they've already got but he's had such limited game time in the last few years. Is he a better long-term prospect than either Bell or Taylor? I'm not certain. Is he a better short-term option? The jury's out on that too. Still, not a bad signing by any means!

The feeling is that he is coming down here with the aim of being the number one.

And at the end of the day, he was the #1 realistic option on the market and we have picked him up so I can't complain. The hooker market will be more interesting next year, because all three of these guys know that should they not perform, the chance of McAllister (or Bell though far less likely now that he has made the ABs) ending up at the Highlanders in 2026 is probably quite high if they don't step up.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

I do wonder what story the three external guys have been sold by JJ. Tangitau needs to be in the 23 each week. Lasaqa should be too. Vikena as a likely bench player?

Tangitau probably starts off in the 23 jersey because he can cover centre... though I have a theory that Nareki may well drift into 13, because he definitely has the skills to do it.

The hookers will come solely down to who does best in pre-season, though Bell surely has the inside running after a solid first season.

Lasaqa again it will come down to form, but I'm picking the Highlanders will run two loose forwards on the bench this year, with either Stodart or Haig covering lock, so there could be a spot for him. Holland and Dunshea at this stage are going to be our two best locks, then it will be absolute daylight.

The Lasaqa signing is a coup. I was stunned at his omission from super squads at starts of season. Great potential.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

I do wonder what story the three external guys have been sold by JJ. Tangitau needs to be in the 23 each week. Lasaqa should be too. Vikena as a likely bench player?

Tangitau probably starts off in the 23 jersey because he can cover centre... though I have a theory that Nareki may well drift into 13, because he definitely has the skills to do it.

The hookers will come solely down to who does best in pre-season, though Bell surely has the inside running after a solid first season.

Lasaqa again it will come down to form, but I'm picking the Highlanders will run two loose forwards on the bench this year, with either Stodart or Haig covering lock, so there could be a spot for him. Holland and Dunshea at this stage are going to be our two best locks, then it will be absolute daylight.

The Highlanders are building plenty of depth in the backfield. With Nareki, Tangitau, JRK and Tavatavanawai, that is plenty of firepower that will match any team in the comp next year.

@Canes4life hope youre right although we've had some weapons on the wing in the past, i issue has been getting the ball to them in a position to do something, huge improvement in recent years should help

@ARHS said in Highlanders 2025:

The Lasaqa signing is a coup. I was stunned at his omission from super squads at starts of season. Great potential.

I wonder if his smaller size put off the Chiefs when a specialist no.7 was needed this year. I first saw him play for TBC, and he was great over the ball.

I can't rmember a better group of outside backs. Even going back to 2015, we had the likes of the 38th man Trent Renata. Only bringing this group down is Jonah Lowe still drifting around on the third year of his deal. Josh Whaanga probably needs to get up to about 105kg to fill out his frame. Looks like we will probably go with three specialist locks. Stodart potentially filling the main no 19 spot. Interested to see whether Renton comes back in as the top 8, or if they try and push Broughton. Haig, Withy and Renton is a bit same-same. Swapping in Broughton adds a bit more as a wide running loosie.

On Vikena, he’s a player with potential. Been around for a few years now, started with Auckland and the Blues in 2020. Was also in the NZ 20s for 2 years. Still only 23 and has a higher ceiling than Henry Bell. Personally, I like Henry Bell and he had a good season but Vikena offers something different. Dont forget about Jack Taylor, he arguably has the highest ceiling of all 3. It’s a great position for the highlanders to be in.

It’s clear there has been a change of direction in recruitment, to get these 5 signed and all 5 are no older than 23 is a clear sign of that. Gone are the days of bringing in a bunch of guys in their mid to late 20. Going for the early 20’s with an idea of hopefully keeping them around long term great to see, as I said above all of these guys come with pedigree and they should all be pushing for a spot in the match day 23. That’s the kind of competition we need.

I understand a more experienced signing here and there is nice and I wouldn’t mind 1 being added, but to get these 5 and having an eye on the future, the Highlanders are following their word. Its a huge positive in my opinion.

The way I see it, is we've got to tick boxes in terms of a squad and a starting XV to compete for a Super Rugby title in 2026.

Prop: de Groot and Ma'u I think are good enough as a first choice pairing, but plenty of work to do in the depth department. Probably an area where you'll see movement in 2026. At this moment, all the backups are uninspiring, so you're always going to be weak off the bench

Hooker: We'll see. I'd reason that the Blues just won Super Rugby with Ricky Riccitelli, and the Highlanders won it with Coltman and Ash Dixon so your hooker doesn't need to be a world beater. Three good options locked in, in my mind

Lock: Holland and Dunshea are a class lock pairing, possibly better than anything we had during JJ's first tenure, and definitely good enough to compete for a title. Need depth. Will wait to see what they do here...

Loose Forwards: Great mix of young loosies IMO, I think there is enough there to compete for the title

Halfbacks: As long as we hold onto Fakatava we are fine in the interim. Lock in Pledger, and the backups are plenty good enough. Still holding out hope for Hastie too

First Fives: If nothing else, Millar and Faleafaga seem to be better than everyone else's young 10s, so that has to be a good sign?

Midfielders: Tele'a I think you could win a Super title with him as a starting 13, but he needs some support. J Whaanga will need a few years, Te Hiwi is a bit meh, Gilbert too. These are all backup guys. TUJ has never been able to stay fit and I don't see that changing. We'll be in the market for a blockbuster 12 come 2026, unless we coup someone out the NPC.

Outside Backs: Good group of players, I think good enough.

At this early stage, I'm expecting us to take more strides forward next year, as I don't really think any of our player losses are the end of the world. For all his upside, Harmon was never an All Black for a reason. Withy, Lasaqa etc. can replace him in time. The rest of them weren't anywhere near the 23 at the end of the season anyway...

2026, I think there is the makings of the squad for a title challenge, but that is reliant on young players reaching their potential, and signing a blockbuster 12. That second five could even be Faleafaga...