Jamie Joseph Overhauls Highlanders Roster with Fresh Talent
Jamie Joseph has immediately put his stamp on the Highlanders, bringing in 13 new players including Tasman first-five/fullback Taine Robinson.
New Faces: Highlanders Add 13 Players to 2025 Squad
The Highlanders had already announced a number of their new signings, but the squad unveiled on Tuesday also included more new names in Robinson, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, TK Howden, Lui Naeata and Michael Manson.
Highlanders Embrace Speed with Michael Manson’s Inclusion
The arrival of Manson – arguably the fastest player in New Zealand rugby – and the selection of only two specialist locks signals that the Highlanders are going to revert to a more uptempo game next year.
Lui Naeata: The Tongan Powerhouse Joins the Highlanders
Joseph’s squad also includes a wildcard selection in Lui Naeata, a 118-kilogram Tongan loose forward who has spent most of his career in Japan.
Naeata, 30, made three appearances off the bench for Otago in the NPC and looked like a handful with ball in hand, but he will need a big preseason under returning strength and conditioning coach Andrew Beardmore to get ready for Super Rugby Pacific.
Injury Update: Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Named in Squad Despite Neck Injury
Fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has been named in the squad as he recovers from his serious neck injury, but it is unclear if he will be able to play any part in Super Rugby.
New Captain Needed: Candidates for Highlanders’ Leadership Role
The Highlanders will need a new captain following Billy Harmon’s departure to Japan – Southland flanker Sean Withy is a strong contender for the role – but Joseph will be pleased with the recruitment of experienced Waikato tighthead Sosefo Kautai from the Brumbies following the departure of Jermaine Ainsley.
Forwards Strategy: Highlanders Lean on Versatile Players at Lock
Versatile forwards Oliver Haig and Will Stodart look destined to spend a fair bit of time at lock, with Fabian Holland and Mitchell Dunshea the only specialists in the squad.
Injury Losses for 2025 Campaign: Timu and Sanders Sidelined
Josh Timu and Tom Sanders have both been ruled out of the 2025 campaign due to injury.
Highlanders 2025 Squad
Props: Ethan de Groot, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Rohan Wingham, Sosefo Kautai
Hookers: Soane Vikena, Jack Taylor, Henry Bell
Locks: Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig
Loose forwards: Will Stodart, Sean Withy, TK Howden, Hayden Michaels, Nikora Broughton, Hugh Renton, Lui Naeata, Veveni Lasaqa
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, James Arscott, Nathan Hastie
First five-eighths: Cameron Millar, Ajay Faleafaga, Taine Robinson
Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Whaanga, Tanielu Tele’a, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Sam Gilbert
Outside backs: Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Michael Manson, Finn Hurley, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau
Ins: Soane Vikena, Sosefo Kautai, Rohan Wingham, Josh Bartlett, Will Stodart, TK Howden, Lui Naeata, Veveni Lasaqa, Taine Robinson, Josh Whaanga, Michael Manson, Finn Hurley, Caleb Tangitau
Outs: Jermaine Ainsley, Ayden Johnstone, Ricky Jackson, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Billy Harmon, Tom Sanders, Rhys Patchell, Josh Timu, Martin Bogado
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