Highlanders Rugby Roster Adds Los Pumas Star Lock Tomas Lavanini
Highlanders Rugby Roster Adds Los Pumas Star Lock Tomas Lavanini
Here's the complete Highlanders roster for 2026, highlighting Tomas Lavanini and key additions to the Super Rugby Pacific squad.
The Highlanders approach the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with a roster built around a blend of emerging talent and experienced internationals.
The arrival of Los Pumas lock Tomas Lavanini adds proven physicality to the pack, while front-row experience is bolstered by the inclusion of Angus Ta’avao.
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That balance extends into the back line, where young outside back Stanley Solomon joins the squad after an impressive NPC season with Wellington.
The roster construction reflects a clear emphasis on developing attacking depth alongside reinforcing key forward positions following a challenging 2025 campaign.
Heading into 2026, the Highlanders’ roster remains under the guidance of head coach Jamie Joseph, with Hugh Renton and Timoci Tavatavanawai captaining the side.
Based in Dunedin, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the squad composition points toward a team focused on growth, resilience and long-term progression, rather than short-term overhaul.
Highlanders Rugby Roster 2026
The Highlanders roster blends experienced internationals with emerging talent, highlighted by the additions of Tomas Lavanini, Angus Ta’avao and young outside back Stanley Solomon ahead of the 2026 season.
- Prop: Angus Ta'avao, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ethan de Groot, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma'u, Sosefo Kautai
- Hooker: Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena
- Lock: Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Tai Cribb, Tomas Lavanini, Will Stodart
- Back Row: Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa
- Halfback: Adam Lennox, Dylan Pledger, Folau Fakatava
- Fly-Halves: Andrew Knewstubb, Cameron Millar, Taine Robinson
- Midfield: Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Outside Backs: Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Jonah Lowe, Josh Whaanga, Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-Harris
Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific Schedule 2026
- Feb. 13: 1:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Crusaders
- Feb. 21: 1:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Chiefs
- Feb. 27: 3:35 a.m.: Queensland Reds vs. Highlanders
- March 6: 10:35 p.m.: Highlanders vs. Western Force
- March 14: 2:05 a.m.: Crusaders vs. Highlanders
- March 20: 2:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. Hurricanes
- March 27: 2:05 a.m.: Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders
- April 10: 3:05 a.m.: Highlanders vs. ACT Brumbies
- April 17: 3:05 a.m.: Blues vs. Highlanders
- April 25: 10 p.m.: Highlanders vs. Moana Pasifika
- May 1: 12:35 a.m.: Fijian Drua vs. Highlanders
- May 8: 12:35 a.m.: Highlanders vs. NSW Waratahs
- May 15: 3:05 a.m.: Chiefs vs. Highlanders
- May 23: 3:05 a.m.: Hurricanes vs. Highlanders
What Did Highlanders Do In 2025?
The Highlanders finished 11th in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific standings with a 3-11 record and 20 points, ending the season outside the playoff positions.
The Highlanders Coach Is Jamie Joseph
Jamie Joseph is the head coach of the Highlanders, leading the Dunedin-based side into the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
When Does The Super Rugby Pacific Season Start?
The 30th season of Super Rugby begins with Round 1 on Feb. 13, with the first game being in Dunedin between the Highlanders and Crusaders at 1:05 a.m. ET.
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Rewatch every match of the 2025 Super Rugby season on FloRugby and the FloSports app.
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