2017 squad guide - highlanders€¦ · andrew beardmore team doctor dr greg macleod physiotherapist...

2017 SQUAD GUIDE

Level 1, HPSNZ Building130 Anzac AveDunedin

PO Box 6070Dunedin

DDI: 64 (0)3 479 9280E: [email protected]

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Squad/Player information as at 1 November 2016

HIGHLANDERS 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE | 3

FORWARDS

PROPSSiosiua Halanukonuka Daniel Lienert-BrownCraig Millar Guy MillarGreg Pleasants-Tate Aki SeiuliSiate Tokolahi

HOOKERSLiam ColtmanAsh Dixon

LOCKSAlex AinleyJosh DicksonTom FranklinJackson HemopoJoe Wheeler

LOOSE FORWARDSShane ChristieElliot DixonGareth EvansJames LentjesDan PryorLiam SquireLuke Whitelock

BACKS

HALFBACKSJosh RentonAaron SmithKayne Hammington

FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHSHayden ParkerFletcher SmithLima Sopoaga

MIDFIELD BACKSRichard BuckmanJason EmeryMatt FaddesMalakai FekitoaRob Thompson Patelesio TomkinsonTeihorangi Walden

OUTSIDE BACKSTevita LiWaisake NaholoPatrick OsborneBen Smith

COACHES & MANAGEMENT

HEAD COACHTony Brown

ASSISTANT COACHMark Hammett

ASSISTANT COACHScott McLeod

SCRUM COACHClarke Dermody

TEAM MANAGERPaul McLaughlan

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Andrew Beardmore

TEAM DOCTOR Dr Greg Macleod

PHYSIOTHERAPISTAdam Letts

PERFORMANCE ANALYSTAndy Watts

MENTAL SKILLS COACHNatalie Fraser

SPORTS NUTRITIONISTFiona Simpson

KIT MANAGERNeville Ives

MEDIA MANAGERAmanda Gould

THE 2017 HIGHLANDERS

4 | HIGHLANDERS 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE

TONY BROWN SCOTT MCLEOD

TONY BROWNPOSITION: Head CoachDATE OF BIRTH: 17.01.75 in Blenheim

COACHING ROLESOtago 2012-13Sanyo Wild Knights (Japan) 2008-12Highlanders 2014-

Tony enters his first year as Head Coach of the Highlanders after joining the team in 2014 as Assistant Coach following three successful seasons as Head Coach of the Otago Rugby team – taking the team to the playoffs in both 2012 and 2013, and also winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years.

Tony also coached in the Top League in Japan from 2006 to 2012 following a successful and extensive playing career both at home and in the land of the rising sun. A super rugby centurion, Tony still holds the record as the top points scorer for the Highlanders on 857 with the closest challenger being current Highlanders first five, Lima Sopoaga, on 453.

MARK HAMMETTPOSITION: Assistant CoachDATE OF BIRTH: 13.07.72 in Christchurch

COACHING ROLES: 2006 Crusaders (Forwards coach)2006 Canterbury (Forwards coach)2007–10 Crusaders (Asst. Coach)2011–14 Hurricanes 2014–15 Cardiff Blues (Director of Rugby)2016 Sunwolves2016 Japan (Caretaker)2016 – Tasman Makos2017– Highlanders (Asst. Coach)

Mark Hammett joins the Highlanders for the first time in 2017, coming in to command the forwards following the departure of Jamie Joseph. Hammett has a wealth of experience having been involved with the Canterbury/Crusaders since 2006, beginning as a forwards coach and stepping up to the assistant coach role for the Crusaders in 2007 and maintain that role until 2010. Hammett then moved up the country to Hurricanes where he was the Head Coach there from 2007-10.

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 2016. Returning back to New Zealand for the 2016 Mitre Ten Cup Season Hammett helped to lead the Tasman Makos back to the Premiership final.

SCOTT MCLEODPOSITION: Assistant CoachDATE OF BIRTH: 28.02.73 in Brisbane

COACHING ROLESWaikato 2008-2009Chiefs 2009-2012Highlanders 2013-

Scott joined the Highlanders in 2013 from Hamilton where he had been coaching the Waikato ITM Cup for the previous two season. Scott was also a member of the coaching team, fulfilling various roles, at the Chiefs from 2009-2012. During his playing career, Scott featured in 123 first class games, including 10 Tests for the All Blacks between 1995 and 2001. In 2002 he took up a playing contract with Toshiba Brave Lupus in 2002 and played until his retirement in 2009.

CLARKE DERMODYPOSITION: Scrum CoachDATE OF BIRTH: 22.04.80 in Invercargill

COACHING ROLESSannix Blues 2014Southland 2014 -2015Highlanders 2014-

Clarke enters his third season with the Highlanders in 2016 after spending time in Japan assistant coaching the Sannix Blues and more recently with the Stags in Invercargill.

Clarke had a remarkable playing career which included playing for every New Zealand age-grade team before being named in the All Blacks and playing three Tests in 2006. Hi is also a former Southland captain and played 92 games for the Stags and 44 for the Highlanders. He headed to Europe in 2007 to play for the London Irish Club abd played over 100 games for the club before injuring his back in 2012 and retiring to Invercargill.

CLARKE DERMODY


SIOSIUA HALANUKONUKAPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.86m, 120kgDATE OF BIRTH: 9.8.86

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 14SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Hurricanes in Dunedin

PROVINCE: TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS: 39PROVINCIAL POINTS: 5 (1t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v North Harbour (Auckland) in Albany

TEST CAPS: 0TEST POINTS: N/ATEST DEBUT: N/A

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Siosuia joined the Highlanders in 2016 and proved to be a solid signing, the Tongan-born prop debuted in the early rounds and quickly became a regular member of the playing 23.

DANIEL LIENERT-BROWNPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.84m, 112kgDATE OF BIRTH: 2.9.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 28SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Lions (Crusaders) in Johannesburg

PROVINCE: CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS: 21PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Southland in Christchurch


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Daniel Lienert-Brown is a promising young prop who will look to build upon the good performances of last season, hard to tackle particular as Lienert goes one way, Brown the other and you end up tackling the hyphen.

CRAIG MILLARPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.86m, 116kgDATE OF BIRTH: 29.10.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 8SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Chiefs (Highlanders) in Hamilton

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 34PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland in Gore


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Craig Millar, loosehead prop from Otago, only has the odd appearance in 2016 from the bench and will be working hard to get more game time in 2017.

GUY MILLARPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.83m, 117kgDATE OF BIRTH: 23.4.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 14SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Blues (Force) in Auckland

PROVINCE: SouthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 10PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2016 v Otago in Invercargill


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...South African born Guy Millar joins the Highlanders from the Western Force where he debuted against the Blues in 2015 and earned 14 caps over the past two season. Millar played for Southland during the Mitre Ten Cup season and will be a welcome addition to the propping stocks.


GREG PLEASANTS-TATEPOSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.81m, 116kg DATE OF BIRTH: 12.5.91

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 8: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Rebels (Blues) in Melbourne

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 47PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour (Bay of Plenty) in Mt Maunganui


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...A breakout year for Greg Pleasants-Tate in 2016, followed up with strong form for Auckland in the Mitre Ten Cup and will do battle with Ash Dixon and Liam Coltman for game time in 2017.

AKI SEIULIPOSITION: PropPHYSICAL: 1.84m, 116kgDATE OF BIRTH: 22.12.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 7SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Chiefs in Hamilton

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 48PROVINCIAL POINTS: 20 (4t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Southland in Balclutha


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Otago prop, Aki Seiuli, after a few seasons of good form in domestic rugby came into the Highlanders as injury replacement and earns a full squad contract for the 2017 season.

SIATE TOKOLAHIPOSITION: Prop PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 116kg DATE OF BIRTH: 16.3.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 28 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Blues (Chiefs) in Albany

PROVINCE: CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS: 31PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Auckland in Christchurch


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Former Chief’s Prop, Siate Takolahi, fresh of the back of winning the 2016 Mitre Ten Cup Premiership with Canterbury will strengthen the Highlanders prop stocks after losing Josh Hohneck overseas and Brendon Edmonds to injury.

LIAM COLTMANPOSITION: HookerPHYSICAL: 1.85m, 109kgDATE OF BIRTH: 25.1.90 in New Plymouth

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 56SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Chiefs in Dunedin

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 64PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Counties Manukau in Pukekohe


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Liam “The Beast” Coltman is a powerful athlete and leads by example on the field. He’s consistent and hardworking and was rewarded with inclusion in the squad for the All Black’s end of year tour.


ASH DIXONPOSITION: HookerPHYSICAL: 1.82m, 102kgDATE OF BIRTH: 1.9.88

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 51SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Highlanders (Hurricanes) in Dunedin

PROVINCE: Hawke’s BayPROVINCIAL CAPS: 96PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Manawatu in Palmerston North


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Ash Dixon is an experienced campaigner and natural leader on and off the field. He is the Maori All Black Captain and a senior player within the Highlanders squad, seldom has a poor performance and shares game time with Liam Coltman.

ALEX AINLEYPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 1.97m, 109kgDATE OF BIRTH: 16.7.81

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 19SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Cheetahs in Bloemfontein

PROVINCE: TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS: 87PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2005 v Poverty Bay (Marlborough) in Blenheim

TEST CAPS: 0 TEST POINTS: N/ATEST DEBUT: N/A

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Alex Ainley is a durable and experienced lock, who just seems to get better and better with age. Was one of the in form locks of the 2016 season until injury curtailed his game time.

JOSH DICKSONPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 2.00m, 109kgDATE OF BIRTH: 2.11.94

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/ASUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 22PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v Northland in Whangarei


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Young Otago lock Josh Dickson has played solid rugby over over the last two seasons and looks to be maturing into a fine, young athlete. He will be working hard towards a debut for the Highlanders in 2017.

TOM FRANKLINPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 1.99m, 110kgDATE OF BIRTH: 13.8.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 38SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Lions in Dunedin.

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 51PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Counties Manukau in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Tom Franklin has a high work rate and has established himself as one of the better locks in Super Rugby. Rewarded with his second tour with the Maori All Blacks Franklin is now a regular starting lock for the Highlanders.


JACKSON HEMOPOPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 1.95m, 112kgDATE OF BIRTH: 14.11.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 1SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Blues in Dunedin

PROVINCE: ManawatuPROVINCIAL CAPS: 27PROVINCIAL POINTS: 15 (3t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Tasman (Otago) in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Jackson Hemopo, didn’t get regular game time in 2016 but has since had a strong showing for Manawatu during this season’s Mitre Ten Cup and will be hoping to crack the starting 23 at some point in 2017.

JOE WHEELERPOSITION: LockPHYSICAL: 2.00m, 111kgDATE OF BIRTH: 20.10.87 in Christchurch

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 52SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2010 v Sharks (Crusaders) in Christchurch

PROVINCE: TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS: 80PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Taranaki in Nelson


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Joseph is a skillful lock, great team man and consistent performer on and off the field. He has spent the off season in Japan playing for Suntory and will rejoin the squad in early 2017.

SHANE CHRISTIEPOSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 107kg DATE OF BIRTH: 23.9.85 in Palmerston North

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 30SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Force (Crusaders) in Perth

PROVINCE: TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS: 72PROVINCIAL POINTS: 55 (11t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Wellington in Wellington


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Shane Christie is a proven leader, an intelligent player and excels around the breakdown. After an injury marred 2016 season he will be keen to get consistent game time in 2017.

ELLIOT DIXONPOSITION: Number 8PHYSICAL: 1.93m, 109kgDATE OF BIRTH: 4.9.89 in Christchurch

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 65SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 45 (9t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Brumbies in Canberra

PROVINCE: SouthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 57PROVINCIAL POINTS: 60 (12t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v North Otago in Invercargill

TEST CAPS: 1 TEST POINTS: 0TEST DEBUT: 2016 v Wales in Dunedin

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Dixon is now a senior member of the Highlanders team after joining as a young rookie in 2011. He has played strongly for the Highlanders at numbers 8 and 6 and has shown his versatility for the team by playing on the openside as well. He was rewarded in 2016 with an All Blacks cap.


DAN PRYORPOSITION: Loose forwardPHYSICAL: 1.90m, 103kgDATE OF BIRTH: 14.4.88

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 32SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 30 (6t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Rebels (Blues) in Melbourne

PROVINCE: NorthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 53PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Taranaki in New Plymouth


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Dan Pryor was a playing 23 regular in 2016 and is a important part of strong loose forward contingent, he has the ability to be in the right place at the right time.

LIAM SQUIREPOSITION: Loose forwardPHYSICAL: 1.96m, 113kgDATE OF BIRTH: 20.3.91 in Palmerston North

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 28SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 25 (5t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Highlanders (Chiefs) in Hamilton

PROVINCE: TasmanPROVINCIAL CAPS: 38PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour in Albany

TEST CAPS: 6TEST POINTS: 5 (1t)TEST DEBUT: 2016 v Wales in Dunedin

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Liam Squire had a stand-out season for the Highlanders in 2016 and quickly became the choice option at No 8. Hard to stop with ball in hand and equally devastating on defence.

GARETH EVANSPOSITION: Loose forwardPHYSICAL: 1.90m, 105kgDATE OF BIRTH: 5.8.91 in Hastings

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 29SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 25 (5t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Blues in Dunedin

PROVINCE: Hawke’s BayPROVINCIAL CAPS: 42PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour (Otago) in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Gareth possesess tremendous speed for a loose forward and is a good front-of-the-line-out exponent. He has been unlucky with injury but will enter the 2017 season fit and stong and hungry.

JAMES LENTJESPOSITION: Loose forward PHYSICAL: 1.87m, 101kg DATE OF BIRTH: 16.1.91

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 10SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Stormers in Dunedin

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 24PROVINCIAL POINTS: 35 (7t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2014 v North Harbour in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...James Lentjes - a robust player who played the final of 2015 and will be working hard to recapture that spot in 2017. Another player who had an oustanding Mitre 10 Cup.


LUKE WHITELOCKPOSITION: Loose forwardPHYSICAL: 1.90m, 104kgDATE OF BIRTH: 29.1.91 in Palmerston North

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 62SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 15 (3t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2012 v Chiefs (Crusaders) in Napier

PROVINCE: CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS: 55PROVINCIAL POINTS: 40 (8t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v Wellington in Wellington

TEST CAPS: 1TEST POINTS: 0TEST DEBUT: 2014 v Japan in Tokyo

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Luke Whitelock was a stand-out performaner in 2016, he showed his versatility by starting at lock and shares the number eight role with Liam Squire. He is a is a reliable, consistent, hard-working leader who led the Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup team to yet another victory.

AARON SMITHPOSITION: HalfbackPHYSICAL: 1.71m, 83kgDATE OF BIRTH: 21.11.88 in Palmerston North

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 94SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 95 (19t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Bulls in Pretoria

PROVINCE: ManawatuPROVINCIAL CAPS: 43PROVINCIAL POINTS: 45 (9t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Bay of Plenty in Mt Maunganui

TEST CAPS: 54TEST POINTS: 67 (13t, 1c)TEST DEBUT: 2012 v Ireland in Auckland

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Aaron Smith continues to set the standard for halfbacks internationally, he is unmatched in speed of play. He maintains his position as an integral part of the Highlanders attack and play.

KAYNE HAMMINGTONPOSITION: HalfbackPHYSICAL: 1.70m, 75kgDATE OF BIRTH: 24.9.90

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 5SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Force (Chiefs) in Hamilton

PROVINCE: ManawatuPROVINCIAL CAPS: 30PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Manawatu (Wellington) in Palmerston North


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Another halfback from the Manawatu, Kayne Hammington, has a fast pass and is nippy around the field. His dynamic style of play is expected to suit the Highlanders open flowing style.

JOSH RENTONPOSITION: HalfbackPHYSICAL: 1.74m, 80kgDATE OF BIRTH: 25.4.94

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 4SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 0SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2015 v Brumbies in Canberra

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 28PROVINCIAL POINTS: 10 (2t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Southland in Gore


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Josh Renton will be hoping to stay injury free in 2017. He sees little game time for the Highalnders as back-up to Aaron Smith but will be hoping to make the most of any opportunities that come along.


HAYDEN PARKERPOSITION: First five-eighthPHYSICAL: 1.75m, 80kgDATE OF BIRTH: 19.11.90 in Oamaru

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 40SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 103 (1t, 13c, 22p, 2d)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Chiefs in Dunedin

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 45PROVINCIAL POINTS: 442 (24, 64c, 97p, 1d)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Taranaki in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...After injury disrupted Hayden Parker’s season in 2016 he has spent the off-season rehabbing and will no doubt get game time in the upcoming season as back-up to Lima Sopoaga.

FLETCHER SMITHPOSITION: First five-eighthPHYSICAL: 1.80m, 88kgDATE OF BIRTH: 1.3.95

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 2SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 2 (1c)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Kings in Port Elizabeth

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 23PROVINCIAL POINTS: 171 (2t, 34c, 31p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Canterbury in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...With the departure of Marty Banks to Italy, Fletcher Smith graduates from a temporary injury replacement in 2016 to a fulltime squad member in 2017. Smith is an accurate goal kicker who has grown as a player from his exposure to Super Rugby in 2016.

LIMA SOPOAGAPOSITION: First five-eighth PHYSICAL: 1.75m, 91kg DATE OF BIRTH: 3.2.91 in Wellington

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 65: SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 639 (10t, 110c, 118p, 5d)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Hurricanes in Wellington

PROVINCE: SouthlandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 53PROVINCIAL POINTS: 546 (5t, 109c, 101p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Manawatu in Palmerston North

TEST CAPS: 5: TEST POINTS: 18 (6c, 2p)TEST DEBUT: 2015 v South Africa in Johannesburg

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Lima Sopoaga had a consistent year as the starting first-five eighth for the Highlanders, he is an accurate goal kicker and a talented playmaker. Currently in the All Blacks, he will be looking to build on his good form as a key member of the Highlanders backline in 2017.

RICHARD BUCKMANPOSITION: WingPHYSICAL: 1.84m, 98kgDATE OF BIRTH: 27.5.89

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 33SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 35 (7t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2011 v Lions (Hurricanes) in Wellington

PROVINCE: Hawke’s BayPROVINCIAL CAPS: 64PROVINCIAL POINTS: 116 (14t, 8c, 10p)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2008 v Manawatu in Palmerston North


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...The Barracuda will be looking to make a comeback in 2017 after sitting out the full 2016 season with a shoulder injury. Currently playing in Japan for Panasonic (returning early 2017), he is deceptively quick, seldom makes mistakes and is devastating on defence.


JASON EMERYPOSITION: CentrePHYSICAL: 1.74m, 91kgDATE OF BIRTH: 21.9.93 in Tauranga

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 35SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Hurricanes in Dunedin

PROVINCE: ManawatuPROVINCIAL CAPS: 49PROVINCIAL POINTS: 62 (12t, 1c)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Wellington in Palmerston North


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Jason Emery in his fourth year with the Highlanders started some early games in the 2016 season before injury sidelined him. He made his way back into the team through the reserves bench later on in the season and will be looking for a big 2017 season.

MATT FADDESPOSITION: CentrePHYSICAL: 1.85m, 94kgDATE OF BIRTH: 6.11.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 16SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 50 (10t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Blues in Auckland

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 34PROVINCIAL POINTS: 50 (10t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2011 v North Harbour in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Matt had a stand-out season for the Highlanders and walked away with Highlander’s Rookie and Player of the year awards and has been selected for the Barbarians in their Autumn tour. His ability to play wing, fullback or centre makes him a valuable member of the team.

MALAKAI FEKITOAPOSITION: Centre PHYSICAL: 1.87m, 99kg DATE OF BIRTH: 10.5.92

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 49SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 70 (14t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Blues in Dunedin

PROVINCE: AucklandPROVINCIAL CAPS: 23PROVINCIAL POINTS: 25 (5t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2012 v Hawke’s Bay in Napier

TEST CAPS: 20TEST POINTS: 20 (4t)TEST DEBUT: 2014 v England in Auckland

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Malakai is an x-factor player, he’s a dynamic, powerful athlete and expects nothing but the best from himself. A ferocious defender, his speed and evasiveness makes him one of the many threats in the Highlanders backline.

ROB THOMPSONPOSITION: Midfield back PHYSICAL: 1.84m, 103kg DATE OF BIRTH: 2.8.91

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 11 SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 10 (2t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Blues in Auckland

PROVINCE: CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS: 39PROVINCIAL POINTS: 95 (19t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Taranaki in Christchurch


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Rob Thompson is a strong running midfielder a got a lot of game time due to the early exit from Super Rugby of Richard Buckman due to injury. A talented young player who will be looking to cement his position in the middle of the Highlanders backline.


PATELESIO TOMKINSONPOSITION: Midfield backPHYSICAL: 1.82m, 94kgDATE OF BIRTH: 27.5.96

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 0SUPER RUGBY POINTS: N/ASUPER RUGBY DEBUT: N/A

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 16PROVINCIAL POINTS: 0PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2015 v Tasman in Dunedin


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Patelesio Tomkinson, is a young mid-fielder with exciting potential, a hard-tackling young centre has had limited opportunities in Super Rugby but got more regular game time with Otago in the Mitre Ten Cup season of 2016.

TEIHORANGI WALDENPOSITION: Second five-eighthPHYSICAL: 1.85m, 96kgDATE OF BIRTH: 25.5.93

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 6SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 5 (1t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2016 v Blues in Auckland

PROVINCE: OtagoPROVINCIAL CAPS: 36PROVINCIAL POINTS: 30 (6t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Tasman in Nelson


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Teihorangi Walden, is a steady mid-fielder who played a couple of games for the Highlanders in 2016 and performed solidily during those opportunities. He was a regular starter for Otago in the Mitre Ten Cup and will be hoping to break into the Highlanders playing 23 next season.

TEVITA LIPOSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.82m, 95kg DATE OF BIRTH: 23.3.95 in Auckland

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 30SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 35 (7t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2014 v Highlanders (Blues) in Dunedin

PROVINCE: North HarbourPROVINCIAL CAPS: 36PROVINCIAL POINTS: 70 (14t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2013 v Counties Manukau in Albany


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Tevita Li joins the Highlanders from the Blues for the 2017 season despite getting regular game time with the Blues last year he will be looking to reignite his career under the roof at Forsyth Barr in 2017.

WAISAKE NAHOLOPOSITION: WingPHYSICAL: 1.86m, 96kgDATE OF BIRTH: 8.5.91

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 28SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 110 (22t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Bulls (Blues) in Auckland

PROVINCE: TaranakiPROVINCIAL CAPS: 43PROVINCIAL POINTS: 100 (20t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2009 v Wellington (Wanganui) in Wanganui

TEST CAPS: 8TEST POINTS: 25 (5t)TEST DEBUT: 2015 v Argentina in Christchurch

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Highlanders favourite, Waisake Naholo, had a lengthy injury spell in 2016 but finished the season strongly and was selected for the All Blacks to play in the Rugby Championship and end of year tour.


PATRICK OSBORNEPOSITION: Wing PHYSICAL: 1.89m, 105kg DATE OF BIRTH: 14.6.87 in Suva

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 54SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 95 (19t)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2013 v Highlanders (Chiefs) in Dunedin

PROVINCE: CanterburyPROVINCIAL CAPS: 42PROVINCIAL POINTS: 70 (14t) PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2010 v Hawke’s Bay in Christchurch


THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Patrick is a fast winger and quality finisher and is part of the deadly back three of Naholo, Smith and Osborne. In 2016 Patrick represented Fiji during the international test match break and has spent time in Japan in the off-season.

BEN SMITHPOSITION: Wing / Fullback PHYSICAL: 1.86m 93kgDATE OF BIRTH: 1.6.86 in Dunedin

SUPER RUGBY GAMES: 120SUPER RUGBY POINTS: 158 (31t, 1d)SUPER RUGBY DEBUT: 2009 v Brumbies in Dunedin

PROVINCE: Otago: PROVINCIAL CAPS: 43PROVINCIAL POINTS: 55 (11t)PROVINCIAL DEBUT: 2007 v Wellington in Wellington

TEST CAPS: 58TEST POINTS: 130 (26t)TEST DEBUT: 2009 v Italy in Milan

THE HIGHLANDERS SAY...Ben Smith, there are no words.

HIGHLANDERS 2017 INVESTEC SUPER RUGBY SQUAD GUIDE | 15 Photos: Getty Images

HIGHLANDERSIN 2016FINISHED 5TH OVERALL AFTER ROUND ROBIN

P W D L B PF PA PD BT3 B7 PTS

15 11 - 0 2 422 273 149 4 4 52

PLAYOFFSQuarterfinal: Highlanders 15 Brumbies 9, Friday 22 July at GIO Stadium, CanberraSemifinal: Lions 42 Highlanders 30, Saturday 30 July at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

2017 squad guide - highlanders€¦ · andrew beardmore team doctor dr greg macleod physiotherapist...

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