Highlanders updated Super Rugby squad for 2017

The Highlanders have announced the squad to contest the 2017 Super Rugby Competition. The team includes five players new to the squad as well as fulltime professional contracts for Fletcher Smith and Aki Seiuli who joined the Highlanders in 2016 as injury replacements.

New signings Tevita Li (Blues) , Kayne Hammington and Siate Tokolahi  (Chiefs) and prop Guy Millar (Western Force) will join young Otago lock Josh Dickson in their debut season for the Highlanders in 2017.

Forwards: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Guy Millar, Siate Tokolahi, Aki Seiuli, Craig Millar, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Josh Dickson, Jackson Hemopo, Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Gareth Evans, Dan Pryor, Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon.

Backs: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Josh Renton, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Fletcher Smith, Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Richard Buckman, Matt Faddes, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Tevita Li, Jason Emery, Ben Smith.

In: Tevita Li (Blues), Guy Millar (Western Force), Siate Tokolahi (Chiefs), Aki Seiuli (Otago), Josh Renton (Otago), Kayne Hammington (Manawatu), Josh Dickson (Otago).

Out: Ross Geldenhuys, Mark Reddish (England), Brendon Edmonds (injured), Fumiaki Tanaka (Japan), Ryan Tongia (France), Marty Banks (Italy), Jack Wilson (England). 

* INs and OUTs to named squads are in relation to the named squads for the 2016 season. If a player was not in the initial 2016 squad but joined later they remain a 2017 addition.