Taine Robinson names in Highlanders Super Rugby Squad

The Highlanders are excited to announce their squad for the 2025 Super Rugby  Pacific season, as Head Coach Jamie Joseph returns to lead the team. Joseph, who previously coached the Highlanders to great success, including their historic 2015 Super Rugby title, expressed his enthusiasm for the season ahead and the potential within the squad.

The 2025 Highlanders squad features a dynamic blend of seasoned professionals and emerging young talent, promising an exciting and competitive campaign. Under the guidance of the highly experienced coaching team led by Joseph, the Highlanders are focused on building a squad that not only plays attractive rugby but also embodies the values that have always been at the heart of the Club and the southern region.

Head Coach Jamie Joseph said:

“It’s great to be back leading the Highlanders. Dunedin and the wider southern region have always been a place that has provided opportunities for players to grow and develop. It’s a community that loves rugby, respects the game, and values hard work. My job is to ensure that we create an environment where players can blossom, not just as athletes, but as individuals who carry the game’s core values with them. We’ve got a very talented squad this year, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Features of the 2025 Highlanders Squad:

• Experienced returning players such as Folau Fakatava, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Ethan de Groot and Hugh Renton – all who are all returning for the fifth or more season and special mention to Daniel Lienert-Brown who will be playing in his 10^th season for the Club.
• The addition of experienced Super Rugby players such as tighthead prop Sosefo Kautai (NZ U20, Chiefs, Brumbies) loosehead prop Josh Bartlett (NZU20, Chiefs, Western Force) and hooker Soane Vikena (NZU20, Blues)will bolster the front row stocks and loose forward, TK Howden (NZ U20, Māori All Black and Hurricanes)  will provide versatility in the forward pack.

• Current All Black XV players Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland and Oliver Haig
• Form players such as Timoci Tavatavanawai, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Michael Manson and Cam Millar who all enjoyed stand out seasons for their provincial teams.
• Young players like Finn Hurley, Will Stodart, and Caleb Tangitau who will be eager to make their mark in Super Rugby, adding youthful energy and flair to the squad.
• New faces to the team include first-five/fullback Taine Robinson (Tasman and Crusaders), livewire loose forward Veveni Lasaqa (Bay of Plenty and Hurricanes) and Lui Naeta. Naeta is a number eight/loose forward who has played most of his first class rugby in Japan. The hard running 30-year old Tongan played three games for Otago this year at lock and loose forward before an injury ruled him out of the remainder of the season.
• An experienced Coaching Team led by Jamie Joseph and includes assistant coaches Clarke Dermody, Cory Brown and Dave Dillon all of whom bring a wealth of experience and tactical expertise.

The 2025 squad has a  balanced and versatile look to it, with the Highlanders set to play an exciting brand of rugby, combining attacking flair with a strong, physical forward pack.

Head Coach Jamie Joseph commented:

“We have a squad full of talented and motivated players, and we know that the fans in Dunedin and across the region are looking forward to seeing this team grow and perform on the field.”

“This region has a proud rugby history, and it’s our responsibility to make sure we honour that by playing with passion and commitment. We’re not just developing players on the field, but also people who represent the values of this community,” added Joseph.

2025 Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific Squad

Backs: Folau Fakatava (Hawkes Bay), Nathan Hastie (Otago), James Arscott (Otago), Cameron Millar (Otago), Ajay Faleafaga (Otago), Taine Robinson (Tasman), Jake Te Hiwi (Otago), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Otago), Tanielu Tele’a (Auckland), Josh Whaanga (Otago), Sam Gilbert (Otago), Michael Manson (Southland), Caleb Tangitau (Auckland), Jonah Lowe (Hawkes Bay), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Tasman), Jona Nareki (Otago), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki), Finn Hurley (Otago)

Forwards: Ethan de Groot (Southland) , Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury), Josh Bartlett (BOP), Saula Ma’u (Otago), Rohan Wingham (Otago), Sosefo Kautai (Waikato), Henry Bell (Otago), Jack Taylor (Southland), Soane Vikena (Auckland), Fabian Holland (Otago), Mitch Dunshea (Southland), Oliver Haig (Otago), Lui Naeta (Otago), Will Stodart (Otago) Te Kamaka Howden (Manawatu), Sean Withy (Southland), Hayden Michaels (Southland), Veveni Lasaqa (BOP), Hugh Renton (Tasman), Nikora Broughton (BOP)

Unavailable for the 2025 season due to injury: Josh Timu and Tom Sanders