Highlanders confirm 2018 Super Rugby squad

The Highlanders have named their 38-man squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season, including 30 players returning from the 2017 team.

The squad includes eight current or former All Blacks and seven Maori All Blacks. There are several new faces in the team with Wellington midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Tasman forwards Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson and Tyrel Lomax, Counties players prop Kalolo Tuiloma and outside back Tevita Nabura and Canterbury outside back Josh McKay. Otago first-five Josh Ioane also makes the step up to Super Rugby in 2018.

2018 HIGHLANDERS SQUAD

Backs: Ben Smith, Josh McKay, Tevita Li, Waisake Naholo, Tevita Nabura, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Richard Buckman, Patelesio Tomkinson, Matt Faddes, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Lima Sopoaga, Fletcher Smith, Josh Ioane, Josh Renton, Kayne Hammington, Aaron Smith

Forwards: Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon, Shannon Frizell, Dillon Hunt, James Lentjes , Dan Pryor, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Kalolo Tuiloma, Siate Tokolahi, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Tyrel Lomax, Aki Seiuli, Guy Millar,  Ash Dixon, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Liam Coltman