Highlanders re-sign two of New Zealand's brightest up-and-comers

Both Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens have committed their immediate playing futures to the Highlanders with new contracts.

The new deals will see the pair remain in Dunedin until at least the 2028 season, where they’ll no doubt continue their rise into contention for higher honours.

Tangitau, a 22-year-old winger who cut his teeth in the All Blacks Sevens, was turning heads this season with his outright pace and game-breaking ambition, setting the Dunedin turf alight. A quad injury has sidelined the Auckland product for the bulk of the season, however.

“I feel like there is something really good building here, and I am keen to be a part of it and to take my career to the next level. Getting an opportunity to play regularly was a big factor in my coming South. It turned out to be a good call for me, and it made my re-signing a pretty easy decision.”

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 23, also came through the Blues system in Auckland before being lured south by the opportunity to play more minutes, and has since cemented his place as the Highlanders’ fullback of the present and future.

“Since coming down here, I have been made to feel really at home. I love the team and the support the team gets from the people of the region. The decision to extend I guess reflects the respect I have for the club and the genuine belief that this team has an exciting future. I didn’t really consider going anywhere else, to be honest.”

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has been active in recruiting top talent from around the country since returning to the club he won a title with in 2015. He was thrilled the burgeoning stars had decided to stick around.

“It’s exciting for us as coaches to know we’ll have Caleb and Jacob developing within our system for the next few years. They’re both game-changers — players who can turn a match in an instant. Just as importantly, they’re quality individuals off the field and valued members of our team culture. We will  look to continue building our roster around a core of emerging talent as we target success in Super Rugby Pacific.”