Highlanders name 2027 Super Rugby Pacific squad

The Highlanders have named their squad for the 2027 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season that features a growing All Blacks presence, returning international experience and a strong core of emerging players creating increased competition for places. 

One of the significant features of the squad is the number of Highlanders who have progressed into the All Blacks environment. Ethan De Groot was named in the initial 2026 All Blacks squad with 40 Test Caps, alongside Highlanders teammates Timoci Tavatavanawai and Fabian Holland, while Saula Ma'u subsequently earned All Blacks selection as an injury replacement later during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry South African tour. Incoming first five, Josh Jacomb, also earned selection in his first All Blacks squad and debuted against the Stormers during the South African tour.

The return of Fabian Holland provides a significant boost for the Highlanders in 2027. The young lock made his All Blacks debut against France in 2025 before a dislocated shoulder ruled him out of the entire 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. He returned in time for the NPC and earned selection almost immediately back into the All Blacks environment and will be a welcome return to the team for the upcoming season.

Shannon Frizell's return along with Argentinian Tomás Lavanini and Fijian Joseva Tamani brings further international experience. Frizell’s presence strengthens a competitive loose-forward group that includes Tamani, Lucas Casey, Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa and Will Stodart. There is also considerable experience in the tight five through De Groot, Ma'u, Angus Ta'avao, Mitch Dunshea, Holland and Lavanini.

Halfback is shaping up as one of the most competitive positions in the 2027 squad. Folau Fakatava brings All Blacks experience and proven attacking ability, while Dylan Pledger and Adam Lennox have emerged as genuine alternatives for the No. 9 jersey. The Highlanders identified all three as competing for game time heading into the 2026 season, and both Fakatava and Lennox subsequently received starting opportunities during the campaign while Pledger was sidelined with a season ending injury in January. There will be similar competition at first five, where new recruit Jacomb joins Southland youngster Mika Muliaina, and the experienced Patrick Pellegrini and Reesjan Pasitoa.

Adding further depth and experience to the front row is Chiefs prop Benet Kumeroa. The 26-year-old tighthead has been a consistent performer for Bay of Plenty since 2021 and earned his Super Rugby opportunity with the Chiefs in 2026. A Māori All Black in both 2025 and 2026, Kumeroa has made five appearances at representative level and was also selected for the All Blacks XV Northern tour in 2025.

The 2027 squad also represents the next stage in the development of a young group the Highlanders have worked hard to retain; Casey, Pledger, Lasaqa and Muliaina are signed through 2029, while Finn Hurley, Caleb Tangitau, Lennox, Withy, Stodart, Josh Tengblad, Jack Taylor and Josh Bartlett have committed through at least 2028. 

That continuity, combined with the international experience coming back into the group, gives the Highlanders both greater depth and increased competition as they head into 2027.

Head Coach Jamie Joseph said the development and retention of the squad had created healthy competition across several positions.

“The important thing for us is we're not starting again. A lot of these young guys have now had exposure to Super Rugby, we've been able to keep them together, and we've added some quality and experience around them. The challenge now is turning that into performance.

“It has been really pleasing to see players from our environment get opportunities at the next level. Timoci has continued to grow as a player and leader, and Saula has worked incredibly hard for his opportunity.

“Getting Shannon back and having Fabian available again is important as well. It adds experience and quality to the group and creates more competition for places. Halfback is another good example of that competition, Folau has played at the highest level and we know what he can bring, while Dylan and Adam are young players who are continuing to develop and push hard for opportunities.

“We don't want players waiting for their turn. We want them putting pressure on each other and making selection difficult for us. That's how the whole group gets better.”

The Highlanders will assemble on Thursday 26 November and will play their round one game in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific against the Fijian Drua in Fiji on Saturday 13th February.

*Please note: Jermaine Ainsley (prop) injured his shoulder during the 2026 NPC season and is not expected to return to play until May 2027. He is replaced in the squad by Jack Sexton.