The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.
Impressive Highlanders young gun Finn Hurely will play no further part in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season due to a quad injury.
The Highlanders are sitting pretty in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific table after enjoying a bye week in round four.
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues in Dunedin.
Seven players will don Highlanders colours for the first time this weekend as the team gets their 2025 campaign underway in Sydney.
A small but good crowd showed up on a sunny Friday afternoon and was treated to some running rugby from the two teams, trying to iron out the cobwebs ahead of the new campaign in two weeks.
Super Rugby Pacific pre-season kicks off for the New Zealand teams this weekend as the Crusaders take on the Blues this Friday at a sold out Kirwee Rugby Club.
The Highlanders have revealed their co-captains for the 2025 season, naming No. 8 Hugh Renton and powerhouse back Timoci Tavatavanawai to lead the team.
In-form playmaker Cameron Millar will miss the Highlanders’ final regular season match at home when they take on the Fijian Drua.