Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie will return to Australia’s shores from subsequent season, signing a two-year take care of the Western Pressure. Hastie was born in Perth and performed membership rugby for Wanneroo earlier than heading offshore to New Zealand.
After transferring to Dunedin as a teen in 2018, Hastie was given a possibility within the NPC with Otago in 2021 earlier than later debuting for the Highlanders. Hastie initially joined the Highlanders as an harm substitute, enjoying at Tremendous Rugby degree for the primary time in opposition to the Pressure.
The previous New Zealand U20’s halfback featured in a couple of Highlanders matches over two years earlier than having fun with a breakout season in 2025. Hastie made 9 appearances for the membership final season, together with seven begins and one strive.
With the Force lately asserting the departure of Wallaby Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa to the Fijian Drua, Hastie’s addition to the squad is important. Whereas Hastie is Wallabies eligible, the scrum-half is concentrated on returning house to Western Australia.
“It looks like a full circle second to be coming again and enjoying for the group I grew up watching,” Hastie stated in an announcement.
“I nonetheless bear in mind my dad taking me to HBF Park to look at the Pressure – I at all times liked these rugby days. Now, having the prospect to play for them myself is one thing I’m really excited and grateful for.
“To me, it is a nice likelihood to develop my sport, be taught off skilled campaigners, work in the direction of greater honours, and symbolize town that’s at all times been house – all whereas enjoying in entrance of the individuals who’ve supported me from the beginning.
“The Pressure are a harmful group. I’m actually wanting ahead to bringing my very own abilities and vitality to this group.”
Hastie began 2025 with a begin in opposition to the NSW Waratahs at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, earlier than approaching as a substitute the next week in Auckland. That 19-minute cameo off the bench wasn’t precisely an indication of issues to return, as Hastie locked down the beginning job.
Beneath world-renowned coach Jamie Joseph, Hastie featured within the beginning facet in 5 matches on the bounce, which included a strive in opposition to Moana Pasifika. Hastie additionally began in opposition to the Hurricanes, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and Pressure.
Hastie is primed for an additional provincial season with Otago. The 24-year-old will head west after the NPC season, with that competitors set to get underway on Thursday – with Hastie’s Otago beginning their marketing campaign in opposition to southern rivals Southland on Saturday afternoon.
“We’re at all times taking a look at Australian gamers, the place they’re and what they’re doing. We’re making an attempt to draw a few of these gamers again into Australia like Harry Potter and Nick Champion de Crespigny who’ve each gone on to debut for the Wallabies,” Pressure coach Simon Cron added.
“Hastie has an incredible skillset, with an ideal cross and he can kick each toes. He’s very pushed and at 24 years of age, he has loads to present to the west for years to return.
“We see Nathan as a man who’ll push everyone for that beginning spot. He has the skillset to be genuinely nice as a 9.”
