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