Highlanders 2026
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Doing a Dylan Pledger post.
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Celebrate the U20 player of the year gong
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Wish him luck as VC of the U20s
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Confirm he will be signed for three years
Make it impactful. But they are just trying to stay relevant by re-hashing award winners.
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Southland Tribune pumping Faletoi Peni for the Landers. The story after the Gregory piece
Potential volunteer problem attached to schools comp
Sav's Sidelines - the weekly column that looks at Southland rugby, from the grassroots to the professional ranks.
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With the news that Lucas Cashmore is leaving the Canes, the Highlanders should definitely take a swing on him, especially with Faleafaga leaving. Wouldnt get a better opportunity for playing time at any other NZ franchise.
Could he possibly be the 10/15 signing from the Canes that was rumored? Just a thought.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2026:
With the news that Lucas Cashmore is leaving the Canes, the Highlanders should definitely take a swing on him, especially with Faleafaga leaving. Wouldnt get a better opportunity for playing time at any other NZ franchise.
Could he possibly be the 10/15 signing from the Canes that was rumored? Just a thought.
I heard 10/15/11/14... which Solomon fits that bill. I've heard we are still in the market for a 10, so I doubt Cashmore is the one.
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Highlanders accidentally posted then deleted today saying that TK, Jack Taylor, Ethan, Jim, Fabian and JRK were in the all blacks training camp this week.
Interesting to see that Jack’s on their Radar. Assuming this means Tangitau hasn’t returned from injury. And a bit of a Suprise that Fakatava can’t get a look given Ratima and Hotham are playing this weekend
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
Highlanders accidentally posted then deleted today saying that TK, Jack Taylor, Ethan, Jim, Fabian and JRK were in the all blacks training camp this week.
Interesting to see that Jack’s on their Radar. Assuming this means Tangitau hasn’t returned from injury. And a bit of a Suprise that Fakatava can’t get a look given Ratima and Hotham are playing this weekend
It's still up as far as I can see.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
Taylor probably not on the radar. Likely to do with the fact arguably 6 of the top 8 are involved with the SR final.
It isn't a right now thing. It is looking at whether his skillset and capabilities align to what the management team is looking for. Taylor's progression has been strong, and he is showing constant improvement. Remembering he will only just be turning 22 next week. Is a strong long-term option for them to monitor.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
Taylor probably not on the radar. Likely to do with the fact arguably 6 of the top 8 are involved with the SR final.
It isn't a right now thing. It is looking at whether his skillset and capabilities align to what the management team is looking for. Taylor's progression has been strong, and he is showing constant improvement. Remembering he will only just be turning 22 next week. Is a strong long-term option for them to monitor.
There's not really anyone else to call up is there?
Taukei'aho, McAlister, Taylor, Bell, Moananu all involved in the final. Riccitelli heading overseas, Eklund is never getting a shot, Mullan hasn't been sighted this year, Aumua is injured, the other Hurricanes rakes are in a similar boat to Eklund... They have to pick someone to fill in at camp, might as well go for a young guy who could theoretically one day reach ABs heights, even if that change is exceptionally slim.
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@brodean said in Highlanders 2026:
I thought Tuputupu has played better than Taylor and has a higher up side.
Maybe, I'd describe them both as serviceable and nothing more at this stage. For all we know, both players are in camp - which really just tells us that they're potentially in the top... eight or so hooker in the country?
The only really interesting thing we can gather from the selection is that Fakatava is definitely not in the selection frame. Otherwise, without knowing total numbers etc there's very little you can actually infer.
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Taylor has also been a better lineout thrower than Taukei'aho and Bell this season too.
The Canes have the shortest lineout in the comp which puts a lot of pressure on their hookers. They regularly played Kirifi, Lakai and Iose. None of their top 3 locks are above 197.
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@Mr-Fish probably other thing that's interesting is that Saula Ma'au isn't the selection frame either. He made All Blacks XV last year. And aside from 2 - 3 miserable games mid season made a good comeback towards the end of the year.
With George Dyer heading overseas my assumption is he's have been first in line due to injury to be called into the squad. However given he's not in the camp you'd have to assume someone else is.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
@Mr-Fish probably other thing that's interesting is that Saula Ma'au isn't the selection frame either. He made All Blacks XV last year. And aside from 2 - 3 miserable games mid season made a good comeback towards the end of the year.
With George Dyer heading overseas my assumption is he's have been first in line due to injury to be called into the squad. However given he's not in the camp you'd have to assume someone else is.
It’s just a smaller contingent at camp, nothing outrageous in terms on numbers. They will have both Lomax and Tosi there.
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an @brodean said in Highlanders 2026:
Conversely, none of their locks are below 1.97 and two are more than 2 metres tall.Taylor has also been a better lineout thrower than Taukei'aho and Bell this season too.
The Canes have the shortest lineout in the comp which puts a lot of pressure on their hookers. They regularly played Kirifi, Lakai and Iose. None of their top 3 locks are above 197.
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James Arscott confirming he is leaving Highlanders/Otago
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Looks like Filimone saying thanks and goodbye as well.
Hurricanes: Squads