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