Two players of Fijian heritage are among the five new recruits in the Highlanders squad for next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The players, hooker Soane Vikena and flanker Veveni Lasaqa, have signed two-year contracts with the team.
Vikena, originally from Nasilai in Rewa, was a part of the Blues squad that won the Super Rugby title. In 2020, he was a vital member of the Blues Under-20s and was named Blues Development Player of the Year. He represented the New Zealand U20 team from 2020 to 2021 and played for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship. He made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2021 against the Crusaders. Vikena is known for his energetic playing style, strong open-field running, excellent tackling, and accurate line-out throws.
Lasaqa, who made his Super Rugby debut this year against the Reds, is a 22-year-old flanker who played for Bay of Plenty in the National Provincial Championship. Born in Lautoka, Lasaqa moved to New Zealand to attend Tauranga Boys College.
Joining Vikena and Lasaqa in the Highlanders squad are Will Stoddart, former New Zealand sevens rugby winger Caleb Tangitau, and Josh Wahaanga.