The Highlanders’ lone present All Black, Ethan de Groot, has dedicated his future to the membership for an additional two seasons.
The brand new contract retains the 26-year-old within the New Zealand system and due to this fact eligible for All Blacks choice till not less than the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
This information comes only a day after the membership introduced long-term contract extensions for dynamic exterior again duo Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, cementing three pillars of what’s a vibrant future for the Dunedin-based staff within the span of 24 hours.
A starter within the 2023 Rugby World Cup closing, de Groot fell down the nationwide pecking order in 2024 as Tamaiti Williams and Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s respective type made it troublesome for the 29-cap prop to get a glance in after being sidelined with damage.
The Southland product could have an opportunity to reclaim favour over the approaching seasons as he helps lead a brand new technology of Highlanders expertise again into Super Rugby Pacific competition. Head coach Jamie Joseph is on the helm of the membership’s rebuild, and stated it was an enormous win for the staff to re-sign de Groot.
“Ethan is the sort of participant each staff needs – powerful and deeply dedicated to the jersey. He’s grown enormously throughout his time with the Highlanders, and we’re enthusiastic about what he’ll proceed to carry as a frontrunner and competitor,” Joseph stated.
For the prop, there’s no place like residence.
“This a part of the world is my residence, I can see as a staff we’re constructing one thing worthwhile right here, and it’s one thing I undoubtedly need to assist lead and help over the subsequent few seasons,” de Groot defined.
Chris Lendrum, Common Supervisor Skilled Rugby & Efficiency stated:
With the primary All Blacks squad naming of 2025 below a month away now and the Highlanders’ season coming to an finish this weekend, de Groot will probably be hoping his type in the course of the round-robin phases will probably be sufficient to earn him one other crack on the black jersey.
New Zealand Rugby had been glad to have the 63-cap Highlander locked in for the approaching seasons.
“We’re thrilled to have Ethan recommit by means of to the tip of the Rugby World Cup and proceed the loyalty he’s proven to Southland, the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby. He has extra to provide the sport, and we’re excited he’s chosen to do it right here.”
