2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

Transcription

1 2018 SQUAD GUIDE 1 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

2 AARON MAUGER Head Coach Canterbury 2010-, Crusaders , Leicester Mauger had a stellar career as a player appearing 89 times for the Crusaders and 46 games for the All Blacks in He played three seasons for the Leicester Tigers before retiring due to back issues in Following his playing career, he had a brief stint coaching with the Crusaders before signing as Head Coach of the Leicester Tigers in MARK HAMMETT Assistant Coach Crusaders , Canterbury 2006, Hurricanes , Sunwolves 2016, Tasman Makos 2016 Mark Hammett joined the Highlanders for the first time in Hammett has a wealth of experience having been involved with the Canterbury/Crusaders since 2006, beginning as a forward coach and stepping up to the assistant coach role for the Crusaders and maintaining that role until Hammett then moved up the country to the Hurricanes where he was the Head Coach there from After leaving the Hurricanes, hammett went on to a Director of Rugby Role at the Cardiff Blues for 2014 and 2015 before becoming the inaugural coach of the Japanese Super Rugby expansion team, the Sunwolves, in Returning back to New Zealand for the 2016 Mitre Ten Cup Season Hammett helped to lead the Tasman Makos back to the Premiership final. GLENN DELANEY Assistant Coach Blues Coaching Debut: 2015 Glenn Delaney is joining the Highlanders from his position as Head Coach for Canterbury on a two year contract from 2018, after winning six of seven games and the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership title. A loose forward in his playing days, Delaney has also spent time with both Nottingham and London Irish before joining Canterbury. 2 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

3 ALEX AINLEY RICHARD BUCKMAN DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 1.97m, 109kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 98kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 31 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Cheetahs at Bloemfontein 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 96 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2005 v Poverty Bay (Marlborough) at Blenheim COACHES SAY: Alex brings to the squad an absolute wealth of experience. He is a workaholic around the field with one of the biggest engines in the team, Alex is a leader on and off the field and has most recently been instrumental in another successful Mitre 10 Cup campaign for Tasman. SUPER GAMES: 45 SUPER POINTS: 55 (11t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Lions (Hurricanes) at Wellington 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 73 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 121 (15t, 8c, 10p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Manawatu at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Richard has been consistently one of the top performers for the team over the last four seasons. He is another player who can play multiple positions due to his range of skills. Richard is a hard working player who always puts his body on the line for the team and this attitude has a big impact on the people around him. LIAM COLTMAN JOSH DICKSON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 109kg POSITION: Hooker DATE OF BIRTH: POSITION: Lock PHYSICAL 2.00m, 109kg SUPER GAMES: 71 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Chiefs at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 64 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Counties Manukau at Pukekohe TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2016 v Italy at Rome COACHES SAY: New father, Liam Coltman, had an outstanding 2017 Super Rugby season and was unlucky to succumb to injury early on in the Mitre 10 Cup season, he will be itching to get back out there and play some footy. Liam is a set piece specialist and is one of the hardest workers in the team. SUPER GAMES: 1 SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v British and Irish Lions at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 32 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Northland at Whangarei COACHES SAY: This will be Josh s second year as a Super Rugby player and he has worked hard on his game, and his frame, to become a player that will compete with more senior players for starting positions. Affectionately known as Kettle within the team as he tends to whistle when he really gets going! 3 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

4 ASH DIXON ELLIOT DIXON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82m, 102kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 109kg POSITION: Hooker SUPER GAMES: 57 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Highlanders (Hurricanes) at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Hawke s Bay PROVINCIAL GAMES: 106 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Manawatu at Palmerston North SUPER GAMES: 78 SUPER POINTS: 50 (10t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Brumbies at Canberra 2017 PROVINCE: Southland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 64 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 65 (13t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v North Otago at Invercargill TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2016 v Wales at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Ash is the spiritual leader of the team who brings years of experience with him into any team. He is a selfless family man who leads by example and is a worldclass lineout thrower and is an integral part of our team. COACHES SAY: Highlanders veteran, Elliot, has played for the ABs and MABS, and is at home in any of the loose forward positions (crucial in a team such as the Highlanders where these positions are highly competitive). A bicep injury saw his Mitre 10 Cup campaign cut short after some outstanding performances for the Southland Stags. MATT FADDES TOM FRANKLIN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 94kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.99m, 110kg POSITION: Centre POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 27 SUPER POINTS: 80 (16t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Blues at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 55 (11t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour at Dunedin SUPER GAMES: 54 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Lions at Dunedin PROVINCE: Bay of Plenty PROVINCIAL GAMES: 62 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Counties Manukau (Otago) at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Matt had an unfortunate 2017 season with a few injuries slowing him up but we are looking forward to seeing him back to his best and adding his strengths to our game in He is a smart footy player who works hard off the ball to find opportunities for himself and the team. His wide skillset means that he is a genuine option in the midfield, wing or fullback. COACHES SAY: Tom is a key option for the Highlanders at line out time as well as important strategist. For such a tall man he is a force to be reckoned with on defence and was named the 2017 Highlanders defender of the year which is awarded based on statistics collected throughout the season. Tom has recently been named in the Mäori All Blacks Squad for the 2017 End of year tour. 4 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

5 SHANNON FRIZELL KAYNE HAMMINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.95m, 108kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.70m, 75kg POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 17 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Force (Chiefs) at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 23 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Waikato at Blenheim COACHES SAY: The Tongan-born, lock/loosie, Shannon Frizell, will be new to the Highlanders in 2018 and after a strong season with Tasman during the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup we re excited to see what he can do in a Super Rugby environment. He has shown that he is an explosive ballrunner, and an excellent line out forward PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 39 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu (Wellington) at Palmerston North COACHES SAY: Kayne s performance against the British & Irish Lions last season was a great reflection of the quality we have in our halfback stocks. He works extremely hard on his game and for the team and will be a valuable member for the team once more in We are excited to watch his game continue to grow and we are sure that his drive will create good competition for the number 9 jumper in JACKSON HEMOPO DILLON HUNT DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.95m, 112kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.89m, 103kg POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 9 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Blues at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Tasman (Otago) at Dunedin SUPER GAMES: 12 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Blues at Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 13 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Auckland at Auckland COACHES SAY: Jackson forced his way into the starting XV at the back end of the 2017 season with a dominant performance against the Lions where he was awarded Player of the Day, and he held this starting position with a consistently high level of performance for the remainder of the 2017 season. He carried this form into the Mitre 10 Cup and has recently been named in the MABs. We re excited to see what 2018 has in-store for him. COACHES SAY: 2017 Highlanders Rookie of the year, Dillon was a revelation after being called into the squad as injury cover. He is a tackling machine and one of the fittest men in the squad who has seemingly never-ending energy - a must have for an effective loose forward. He had a strong Mitre 10 Cup season for Otago and we re looking forward to seeing what he can do again this year. 5 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

6 JOSH IOANE JAMES LENTJIES DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.76m, 85kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 101kg POSITION: First five eighth PROVINCIAL GAMES: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 42 (1t, 8c, 7p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v North Harbour at Albany SUPER GAMES: 15 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Stormers at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 30 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v North Harbour at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Josh has developed his game rapidly over the last 12 months. His performances for Otago were a good example of how far he has come in a short space of time. He definitely has the ability to influence the game at the next level. Josh is an exciting young player who we know will continue to get better in our environment and keep the competition high for a position in the match day 23. COACHES SAY: James is currently recovering from shoulder surgery and will be expected to be fit to play in April. He is a member of our leadership group who leads by example; a great man to have in the environment and a workhorse on the field. TEVITA LI DANIEL LIENERT-BROWN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82m, 95kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 112kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 41 SUPER POINTS: 55 (11t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Highlanders (Blues) at Dunedin 2017 PROVINCE: North Harbour PROVINCIAL GAMES: 44 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 125 (25t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Counties Manukau at Albany SUPER GAMES: 43 SUPER POINTS: 15 (3t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Lions (Crusaders) at Johannesburg 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 21 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Southland at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Tevita is a player who is getting better every year and his performances for the Highlanders and North Harbour in 2017 are a good reflection of how much his game has grown. A big job for the men inside him to provide him with some quality ball so he can show his ability to influence games with his line-breaking and try scoring attributes. COACHES SAY: Daniel is the modern man s prop; he is fast, fit, agile and has an expansive skill set. DLB played in all but one game for the Highlanders during the 2017 Super Rugby campaign. 6 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

7 TYREL LOMAX GUY MILLAR DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 127kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 117kg SUPER GAMES: 18 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Blues (Force) at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 8 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Southland at Nelson 2017 PROVINCE: Southland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 20 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Otago at Invercargill COACHES SAY: Newcomer to the Highlanders in 2018 and son of league legend, John Lomax, Tyrel is a man-mountain in the mould of Carl Hayman. He has spent two years with the Rebels and has come home to New Zealand in the pursuit developing his Super Rugby career. He s a specialist tighthead prop and will be a great asset to the team. COACHES SAY: South African born prop Gym Millar is a beast in the gym and hold the current bench press record in the Highlanders training gym. He is a very studious player who takes the time to learn and explore his role and exhibits professionalism at all times. WAISAKE NAHOLO PARIPARI PARKINSON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 96kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 2.04m, 119kg POSITION: Wing POSITION: Lock SUPER GAMES: 39 SUPER POINTS: 160 (32t) SUPER DEBUT: 2013 v Bulls (Blues) at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Taranaki PROVINCIAL GAMES: 46 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 125 (25t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Wellington (Wanganui) at Wanganui 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 7 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Southland at Nelson TEST CAPS 11 TEST POINTS 35 (7t) TEST DEBUT 2015 v Argentina at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Waisake has a great ability to create opportunities for the people around him and also to finish off opportunities when they come his way. He is continually working hard on his game to ensure that he is consistently putting quality performances in and we are planning to help make his strengths even more threatening in COACHES SAY: This will be Paripari s debutant season as a Super Rugby player and will hope to join uncle, Reubin Parkinson (Highlanders #48), as a capped Highlander. He is deceptively strong for such a tall man and will compete with Josh Dickson for title of tallest Highlander in I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

8 GREG PLEASANTS-TATE JOSH RENTON DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.81m, 116kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.74m, 80kg POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 13 SUPER POINTS: 10 (2t) SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Rebels (Blues) at Melbourne 2017 PROVINCE: Auckland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 56 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour (Bay of Plenty) at Mt Maunganui COACHES SAY: Greg is the team funny man and a bit of a joker but takes his time on the field very seriously. He is a super explosive hooker and can reach impressive speeds for a front rower, Greg has a knack for being able to read a game and turn it on a single play. SUPER GAMES: 6 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Brumbies at Canberra PROVINCIAL GAMES: 37 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland at Gore COACHES SAY: Josh is another player who works hard on his game and also had the privilege of playing the B&I Lions in His form for Otago in 2017 was outstanding and has earned him another opportunity to keep growing his game within the Highlanders environment. Like most halfbacks Josh is very competitive and driven to succeed so this will create a real edge in the competition for a spot in the match day 23. AKI SEIULI AARON SMITH DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 116kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.71m, 83kg POSITION: Halfback SUPER GAMES: 21 SUPER POINTS: 20 (4t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Chiefs at Hamilton PROVINCIAL GAMES: 56 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland at Balclutha SUPER GAMES: 109 SUPER POINTS: 100 (20t) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Bulls at Pretoria 2017 PROVINCE: Manawatu PROVINCIAL GAMES: 43 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Bay of Plenty at Mt Maunganui TEST CAPS 64 TEST POINTS 72 (14t, 1c) TEST DEBUT 2012 v Ireland at Auckland COACHES SAY: Aki is a dynamic loosehead prop who is as comfortable during set piece as he is during broken play. Aki is also a very talented musician and great team man. COACHES SAY: Aaron has been consistently performing at the top of his game over the last 12 months. His energy on the field is electric and his competitive nature drives the desire of the people around him. He is excited about another year with the team and is determined to make sure it is one that our Highlanders family can all enjoy. 8 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

9 BEN SMITH FLETCHER SMITH DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.86m, 93kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.80m, 88kg POSITION: Wing/Fullback POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 129 SUPER POINTS: 168 (33t, 1d) SUPER DEBUT: 2009 v Brumbies at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 43 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 55 (11t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Wellington at Wellington SUPER GAMES: 10 SUPER POINTS: 14 (4c, 2p) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Kings at Port Elizabeth PROVINCIAL GAMES: 33 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 283 (7t, 58c, 44p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Canterbury at Dunedin TEST CAPS 62 TEST DEBUT 2009 v Italy at Milan TEST POINTS 145 (29t) COACHES SAY: Ben is well respected by his peers and is a man who leads by example 100% of the time. He is a committed team man and constantly raising the standards of the team with his approach to his game and growing the team s performances. After an extended break at the back end of 2017 we look forward to having Ben fresh and ready to go for a big 2018 Season with the Highlanders. COACHES SAY: Fletcher has had a few seasons in the squad now and has played a part in some key performances for the team during that time. Fletchers ability to challenge the line is a big strength and the quality of this part of his game was instrumental last year off the bench in some fantastic come-back victories over the Cheetahs and Bulls on the South African leg of the tour. Fletcher is comfortable and first five and fullback so he gives us some great options. LIMA SOPOAGA LIAM SQUIRE DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.75m, 91kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.96m, 113kg POSITION: First five eighth SUPER GAMES: 73 SUPER POINTS: 701 (11t, 122c, 129p,5d) SUPER DEBUT: 2011 v Hurricanes at Wellington 2017 PROVINCE: Southland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 53 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 546 (5t, 109c, 101p) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Manawatu at Palmerston North TEST CAPS 13 TEST POINTS 54 (1t, 17c, 5p) TEST DEBUT 2015 v South Africa at Johannesburg COACHES SAY: Lima is another player who has put a lot of effort into growing his game over the last few seasons and this has been rewarded with consistent selection for the All Blacks. More importantly for us at the Highlanders is Lima s ability to influence a game when he is at his best, setting up lots of attacking and try scoring opportunities. His game management and ability to provide quality ball for our outside backs is something we are excited to continue working on this season. SUPER GAMES: 36 SUPER POINTS: 45 (9t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Highlanders (Chiefs) at Hamilton 2017 PROVINCE: Tasman PROVINCIAL GAMES: 38 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour at Albany TEST CAPS 11 TEST DEBUT 2016 v Wales at Dunedin TEST POINTS 10 (2t) COACHES SAY: Liam is a big explosive creature who doesn t shy away from physicality on the field. He has proven to be a solid option at lineout time and an unstoppable force with ball in hand. His choice of hairstyle has led him to become a fan favourite too. 9 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

10 ROB THOMPSON SIATE TOKOLAHI DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 103kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.84m, 116kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 22 SUPER POINTS: 35 (7t) SUPER DEBUT: 2014 v Blues at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 48 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 115 (23t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Taranaki at Christchurch SUPER GAMES: 44 SUPER POINTS: 0 SUPER DEBUT: 2015 v Blues (Chiefs) at Albany 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 42 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland at Christchurch COACHES SAY: Rob has become one of the most elusive midfielders in the competition over the last few seasons. His line-breaking ability has been strength for the team and this has created plenty of opportunities for the speed and power players outside him. We look forward to another big year from Rob in COACHES SAY: Mr Consistent, Siate, has a deceptive turn of pace and is a tight head prop in a similar mould to that of Olo Brown. Siate works hard to know his role inside and out and always does it well - a great option in the front row. Siate played all games in the 2017 Highlanders Super Rugby Campaign. PATELESIO (SIO) TOMKINSON KALOLO TUILOMA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.82m, 94kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.93m, 151kg POSITION: Midfield back SUPER GAMES: 11 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2017 v Chiefs at Dunedin PROVINCIAL GAMES: 25 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman at Dunedin COACHES SAY: Sio has been developing his game really well over the last few years in the Highlanders environment and also under Cory Browns tutelage at Otago. He is a hard-hitting centre who likes to make a difference with his physicality. He has also grown his skillset over the last year, his decision-making and distribution is starting to become a real weapon PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 26 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v West Coast (South Canterbury) at Timaru COACHES SAY: Kalolo Tuiloma joins the Highlanders in 2018 after two strong seasons for Counties and has been a Samoan wrecking ball throughout the 2017 season! We re looking forward to seeing what he can do at Super Rugby level in I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

11 THOMAS UMAGA-JENSEN TEIHORANGI WALDEN DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.87m, 95kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.85m, 96kg POSITION: Wing POSITION: Second five eighth SUPER GAMES: 9 SUPER POINTS: 5 (1t) SUPER DEBUT: 2016 v Blues at Auckland 2017 PROVINCE: Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 8 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Hawke s Bay at Wellington PROVINCIAL GAMES: 45 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Tasman at Nelson COACHES SAY: Thomas was a part of our development program in 2017 and the promise he showed and his performances for Wellington in the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup proved his readiness for Super Rugby. We re excited to see Thomas keep developing his game within our environment and we expect him to compete well with the other midfielders for game time this season. COACHES SAY: Tei is a very smart rugby player, he also plays a tough game with hard hitting defence and good decisive lines on attack. Tei s 2017 form with Otago was outstanding and we look forward to more of the same in a Highlanders jersey in LUKE WHITELOCK JOSH MCKAY DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 104kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.83m, 92kg POSITION: Outside back SUPER GAMES: 73 SUPER POINTS: 20 (4t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Chiefs (Crusaders) at Napier 2017 PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 62 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Wellington at Wellington TEST CAPS 1 TEST POINTS 0 TEST DEBUT 2014 v Japan at Tokyo COACHES SAY: Luke is the ultimate professional on and off the field, he constantly leads by example and sets the bar high not only for himself but the team. We consider him to be one of the best loosies in the country. Luke is a key member of our leadership team PROVINCE: Canterbury PROVINCIAL GAMES: 11 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2017 v Mid Canterbury at Ashburton COACHES SAY: Josh is another newcomer to the team this season after an impressive debut season with Canterbury in the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup. Josh has genuine top end gas and will be another one in our outside back division that will cause trouble for our opposition this season when given good room to move. 11 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

12 DAN PRYOR TEVITA NABURA DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.90m, 104kg DATE OF BIRTH: PHYSICAL 1.92m, 107kg POSITION: Wing SUPER GAMES: 34 SUPER POINTS: 30 (6t) SUPER DEBUT: 2012 v Rebels (Blues) at Melbourne 2017 PROVINCE: Northland PROVINCIAL GAMES: 62 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Taranaki in New Plymouth 2017 PROVINCE: Counties Manukau PROVINCIAL GAMES: 8 PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Rebels (Blues) at Melbourne COACHES SAY: It has been great to see Dan back on the field during the Mitre 10 Cup after missing the full Super Rugby season with a knee injury and we are looking forward to welcoming him back onto the field as a Highlander. Dan is an intuitive rugby player who often finds himself in the right place at the right time. He is also a very gifted guitar player! COACHES SAY: Tevita is new to the team this season. He had an impressive debut year on the wing for Counties in the Mitre 10 Cup last season and did enough to secure his first Super Rugby contract with us. He is a big powerful winger who can create opportunities with his running game in the wide channels and also has fantastic aerial skills 12 I HIGHLANDERS SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE