Two players of Fijian heritage have joined 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 previously part of the Blues squad that won the Super Rugby title. In 2020, he was a member of the Blues Under-20s and named the Blues Development Player of the Year. He represented New Zealand U20 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 energy on the field, strong running, excellent tackling, and precise line-out throwing skills.
Lasaqa, who made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds this year, is a 22-year-old flanker who played for Bay of Plenty in the NPC. Born in Lautoka, he moved to New Zealand to attend Tauranga Boys College.
The other new recruits are Will Stoddart, former New Zealand sevens rugby winger Caleb Tangitau, and Josh Wahaanga.