Highlanders 2027

Few Things

• Heard (and said) a while back we had picked up a winger from MP which I assumed to be Vaihu but haven’t heard anything more on that… given nothing further has been announced could be a WTG player e.g Denzel Samoa

• STT was also talking to a couple of other franchises, I think he is likely to side with the Landers but time will tell

• R.E Loosehead prop, I am intrigued because everyone I have spoke to believes DLB to be gone but nobody knows who is coming in. Lopas was said to be too small last year and I doubt that has changed.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2027:

Few Things

• Heard (and said) a while back we had picked up a winger from MP which I assumed to be Vaihu but haven’t heard anything more on that… given nothing further has been announced could be a WTG player e.g Denzel Samoa

• STT was also talking to a couple of other franchises, I think he is likely to side with the Landers but time will tell

• R.E Loosehead prop, I am intrigued because everyone I have spoke to believes DLB to be gone but nobody knows who is coming in. Lopas was said to be too small last year and I doubt that has changed.

Nice intel as usual.

Wonder how we can fit another winger into the group, apart from them being in the WTG.

With STT, I wonder if we need to drop someone else out to fit him in?

@SouthernMann My theory on the winger, is they will be an injury replacement for Tangitau, who will presumably miss most of the season.

For STT, I guess maybe we’d carry one less midfielder? I also think it is entirely possible he turns around and gives us the middle finger given we turned him down previously

@handa457 said in Highlanders 2027:

What’s the size of Irving? He’s not one I’ve come across before. Is he another short lock similar to Crib, Dunshea and Stodart? Or does he offer a bit of height?

Irving is really a 6, as he would be another undersized lock at this level.

On DLB. As it stands, there is nothing signed to return next year and it doesn’t sound like there is anything on the table for him.

@frugby I've been thinking a bit about this.

As a Christchurch lad am sure that Sexton would prefer a Crusaders contract. But I haven't heard any rumours about props moving on there. Wonder if we'll try and pick him up. He wouldn't make a bad stopgap option if the coaches are cold on Lopas. But seems a bit of a gamble, at 25 and fighting for a bench spot with the younger Josh Bartlett ahead of him, couldn't imagine we'd get more than a two year deal from him before he looks elsewhere.

Otherwise I imagine we'll be looking outside the region to fill that gap.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2027:

@SouthernMann My theory on the winger, is they will be an injury replacement for Tangitau, who will presumably miss most of the season.

For STT, I guess maybe we’d carry one less midfielder? I also think it is entirely possible he turns around and gives us the middle finger given we turned him down previously

Don't pick Te Hiwi. Still try and get that starting centre and hold an extra loosie.

From a New Zealand rugby perspective if you can have

STT
Lio-Willie
Lakai
One of the Chief's All Blacks
Wrampling/Savea

starting each week, it will give the best 8s getting gametime week in/week out.

@SouthernMann ODT was still reporting Xavi Taele as a possible highlanders target last week. So could still be something in the pipeline there. @frugby / @landers92 and news on the midfield situation?

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2027:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2027:

Few Things

• Heard (and said) a while back we had picked up a winger from MP which I assumed to be Vaihu but haven’t heard anything more on that… given nothing further has been announced could be a WTG player e.g Denzel Samoa

• STT was also talking to a couple of other franchises, I think he is likely to side with the Landers but time will tell

• R.E Loosehead prop, I am intrigued because everyone I have spoke to believes DLB to be gone but nobody knows who is coming in. Lopas was said to be too small last year and I doubt that has changed.

Wonder how we can fit another winger into the group, apart from them being in the WTG.

any chance there is a wing looking to move to midfield ala big jim/ Lowe etc?

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2027:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2027:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2027:

Few Things

• Heard (and said) a while back we had picked up a winger from MP which I assumed to be Vaihu but haven’t heard anything more on that… given nothing further has been announced could be a WTG player e.g Denzel Samoa

• STT was also talking to a couple of other franchises, I think he is likely to side with the Landers but time will tell

• R.E Loosehead prop, I am intrigued because everyone I have spoke to believes DLB to be gone but nobody knows who is coming in. Lopas was said to be too small last year and I doubt that has changed.

Wonder how we can fit another winger into the group, apart from them being in the WTG.

any chance there is a wing looking to move to midfield ala big jim/ Lowe etc?

Jona Nareki is the obvious option. Seeing as he played there twice this year.

@SouthernMann i was actually meaning the rumours MP wing and how we would fit it in but yes, i had forgot the resonably successful use of Narkei

And I forgot the other two big acquisitions we need to fill, as @jimmyb correctly reminds us. Who will be the assistant coaches replacing Derms and Cory Brown.

@SouthernMann I sent the CV in, just waiting to hear back

@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2027:

@SouthernMann I sent the CV in, just waiting to hear back

Fire in the coaching box

@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2027:

@SouthernMann I sent the CV in, just waiting to hear back

hope you added a character reference from Jamie Joseph..

@Bones I’m very level headed and calm thank you

We will get one runour put to bed and a confirmed player arrival tomorrow morning. Sadly not a starting centre or a big bustling no8 we once passed over.

frantically scrolls back through the thread trying to work out which rumour

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2027:

frantically scrolls back through the thread trying to work out which rumour

I made it pretty easy haha

@SouthernMann you over estimate house how astute i am....will just wait for the annoucement

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2027:

@SouthernMann you over estimate house how astute i am....will just wait for the annoucement

And it will come around soon enough

Ioane Moananu confirmed on a two year deal. Club comms will come out at 8 AM

Highlanders press release:

Ioane Moananu Signs with the Highlanders

The Highlanders have added power and promise to their forward pack with the signing of Ioane Moananu on a two-year contract, locking in the dynamic hooker for the 2027 and 2028 Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

Moananu, 25, arrives in Dunedin having already played 26 games of Super Rugby and scored 13 tries after professional stints with both the Crusaders and NSW Waratahs. Born and raised in South Auckland, Moananu attended De La Salle College and played his club rugby for Manurewa RFC, earning early recognition for his mobility and physicality. His performances at provincial level for Counties Manukau in the NPC established him as one of the country’s most exciting young front-rowers.

His form for Counties Manukau led to his first Super Rugby opportunity with the Crusaders, where he debuted in 2023 and scored a try in his debut appearance. He continued to build his game over his three seasons in Christchurch before moving to Australia in search of greater minutes. A breakout campaign with the Waratahs followed; Moananu made 8 appearances this season and became known for his explosive ball-carrying, strong defensive work, and ability to contribute across the park scoring six tries.

Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph said Moananu’s signing adds a valuable point of difference to the squad.

“Ioane’s journey shows his resilience and hunger to grow. He’s performed well in two strong Super Rugby environments and we believe he’ll thrive here. His physicality, skill set and energy suit the Highlanders style and we’re excited to see what he can do over the next two years.”

Moananu said he is looking forward to the move south.

“I’m really excited to be back playing in New Zealand. I’m extremely grateful to the Highlanders for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and making a strong contribution to the team. I can’t wait to meet the guys, become part of the club, and embrace everything Dunedin and the South has to offer. Playing indoors at Forsyth Barr Stadium in front of the Zoo is something special - Highlanders supporters create an amazing atmosphere and I can’t wait to experience that again.”

Player Snapshot

· Name: Ioane Moananu

· Age: 25

· Position: Hooker

· From: Manurewa, South Auckland

· Provincial Rugby: Counties Manukau

· Super Rugby: Crusaders, NSW Waratahs

Good to get this one done. Always good when the oil is right.

The Landers are building a really nice balance in their squad for 2027. They've still got plenty of the honest, hard-working players you'd expect, but what I really like is the injection of power and genuine X-factor. Guys like Big Jim, JRK, Pledger, Hurley, Tangitau, and the emergence of Casey are all capable of turning a game on its head in an instant. Then you add someone like Moananu and potentially STT into the mix, and this Landers side could be incredibly difficult to stop under the roof. Throw in the two new first five additions and the return of the big Dutchman, and things are looking pretty rosy in the south.

There's no reason the Landers can't go all the way next year. The one area that needs to be strengthened is the midfield. That said, it's a challenge plenty of teams are facing at the moment.

I was talking to a mate the other day who used to be the Landers' videographer, and he reckons next year's squad will be their best since 2015. That's a big call, but looking at how this roster is shaping up, it's not hard to see why he thinks that.

@Canes4life

It is interesting running a comparison process between this upcoming group and the 2015 squad.

The 2015 group certainly had more topline players. But, this one is looking like a more well rounded group.

There were still a lot of battlers in that squad. This current group also has a lot more Otago/Southland players too.

As @jimmyb says. We will need to see who our coaches are for attack and the pack.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2027:

@Canes4life

It is interesting running a comparison process between this upcoming group and the 2015 squad.

The 2015 group certainly had more topline players. But, this one is looking like a more well rounded group.

There were still a lot of battlers in that squad. This current group also has a lot more Otago/Southland players too.

View image

As @jimmyb says. We will need to see who our coaches are for attack and the pack.

And obviously, similar to 2015, keeping players healthy will be the most important thing. Hopefully the stars align and the Landers can get a roll on this year.

@Canes4life

We will be lucky have some really good depth at

Hooker, tighthead, six, seven and in the outside backs.

Losing key influential players like this year can't happen though.

Jacomb and Pellegrini as 10s should make a really big difference. They play with similar styles as well.

@Canes4life kinda wild looking at that team some of the battlers in it. Pingi Tala'apitaga was a bit of a one season wonder from memory. Ross Gelenhuys probably holds the record for most super rugby franchises represented. Trent Renata and Kurt Baker were not really super rugby level.

While Ryan Tongia was a talent that never really kicked on. Reminds me a bit of a Villi Koroi, lots of potential but not much staying power.

JJ really did an amazing job of getting some bang average guys to play to their fullest potential

@handa457 said in Highlanders 2027:

@Canes4life kinda wild looking at that team some of the battlers in it. Pingi Tala'apitaga was a bit of a one season wonder from memory. Ross Gelenhuys probably holds the record for most super rugby franchises represented. Trent Renata and Kurt Baker were not really super rugby level.

While Ryan Tongia was a talent that never really kicked on. Reminds me a bit of a Villi Koroi, lots of potential but not much staying power.

JJ really did an amazing job of getting some bang average guys to play to their fullest potential

i liked Kurt Baker, i think if he could have strung a full season in a position together he would have bene good

@Kiwiwomble was never quite the same after those stress fractures in his spine. Hell of a player on his day

@landers92 said in Highlanders 2027:

Had a chat with a mate last night. Has an extremely reliable contact. They have started looking overseas for what midfielders are available that would fit what they are looking for.

Any update on this @landers92

@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2027:

@landers92 said in Highlanders 2027:

Had a chat with a mate last night. Has an extremely reliable contact. They have started looking overseas for what midfielders are available that would fit what they are looking for.

Any update on this @landers92

Zilch.

@frugby mentioned they likely signed Te Hiwi recently so it can’t be going too well.

Surely Dylan Riley wants to test himself in SR?

The fact that he combines the names of two non playing best rugby player ever legends is a cherry on top.

@landers92 so in all likelihood we’re starting down the barrel of Te Hiwi, Grindlay, Whaanga, Pasetoa and Big Jim being our centres with Nareki covering thirteen as well? None of which (outside Jim & Nareki) exactly set the world on fire.

Huge shame that we seem not to have landed Taele (going off the chat in the thread this isn’t new info).

Bit hard to know who we’d keep next season anyway. Theres a scenario where Big Jim calls it quits if he dosnt see a future with the all blacks and Nareki heads offshore, and we’re left in a bang average place.

Really hoping some of those lads have a good NPC to install some confidence in us.

@handa457 midfield is such an odd position nationally.

I think I worked out more than 40% of the Super midfield backs are leaving.

Just no depth guys who are ready to step up that teams can pick off. They are all needed where they are from. An absolute player's market.

If we can't land a starting ready centre, I fully expect Jona Nareki will be our primary 13 next season. Based on the mentality that he is as good as a 13 as the other options. However, Hurley is a better fullback and Tito-Harris is a better winger than the other centre options are centres.

I wouldn't be surprised if we go Nareki at 13, JRK on a wing and Hurley at the back. Get the best attacking weapons on the field.

I'm not giving up on Te Hiwi yet. A frustration will be if Timu jams up the centre role for Otago.

@southernmann Agree with you on all those points. I Do wonder if JRK might play a bit more freely on the wing. Have sometimes felt he overplays his hand at fullback. Just trying to create too much in a team that hasn't always been firing on all cylinders. Hurley starting at fullback is a tasty idea.

Te Hiwi has a lot of upside. But it's how injury prone the combination of Nareki, Hurley and Te Hiwi are that worries me. When close to half the starting and bench players in your backline are made of glass and depth is already a problem it leaves me without much optimism. Not a lot to be done about it. And you are right that midfield nationally is very odd. Small comfort that everyone's in the same position I suppose.

I hope they recruit a proper 13 instead of retredding Nareki, I think he would be stopgap like Lowe at best. Not sure there are many decent 13s out there given how many have left for overseas but hopefully a few put up their hands in the NPC

@ruggersman I'd be more than happy with a "stopgap" that plays to the level Lowe did this year.