The youthful Highlanders have landed some veteran management within the type of 23-cap former All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao.
An impression participant on the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Ta’avao will symbolize his fourth Tremendous Rugby membership in 2026 after two seasons with the Blues, the place he began his Tremendous Rugby journey. Stints on the Waratahs and Chiefs have seen the Aucklander rack up 144 Tremendous Rugby appearances.
That have shall be invaluable to a facet whose scrum struggled within the 2025 season, significantly late in video games.
Masterminding the Dunedin-based membership’s return to its former glory is none aside from the person who led the Highlanders to their first Tremendous Rugby title, Jamie Joseph.
Whereas the previous Courageous Blossoms boss has recruited a handful of rising stars like Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, and Caleb Tangitau within the backs, he’s additionally snagged rising forwards in Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, and Soane Vikena on the ahead pack.
The energetic recruitment has complemented the native expertise coming by way of the ranks, and now these forwards may have one other veteran to lean on all through the 2026 marketing campaign.
“Constructing depth throughout the park is crucial for a profitable marketing campaign,” Joseph defined. “Angus brings a wealth of expertise to our ahead pack. All through his profession, he has demonstrated resilience and character, which make him a perfect match for our tradition and ambitions. We’re excited to welcome him to Dunedin.”
Ta’avao, at present juggling his rugby profession and a transfer into punditry with Sky Sports activities, was happy to make the transfer south.
“I’m excited to hitch the Highlanders in 2026,” he stated. “ I stay up for including my flavour, embracing the tradition, and contributing to the workforce’s success.”
