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.
Soane Vikena, originating from Nasilai in Rewa, was part of the Blues squad that clinched the Super Rugby title. In 2020, he was a member of the Blues Under-20s and was named Blues Development Player of the Year. He represented the New Zealand U20 team from 2020-2021 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 running in the open field, excellent tackling, and accurate line-out throwing.
Veveni Lasaqa made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds this year. The 22-year-old, who played for Bay of Plenty in the NPC, was born in Lautoka and moved to New Zealand to attend Tauranga Boys’ College.
The other three players joining the Highlanders are Will Stoddart, former New Zealand sevens rugby winger Caleb Tangitau, and Josh Wahaanga.