Two players of Fijian heritage have been named among the five new recruits for the Highlanders squad ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Hooker Soane Vikena and flanker Veveni Lasaqa have both signed two-year contracts with the team.
Vikena, originating from Nasilai in Rewa, was part of the Blues squad that won the Super Rugby title. In 2020, he played for the Blues Under-20s and earned the title of 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. Known for his energetic style, Vikena excels as an open-field runner, tackler, and accurate line-out thrower.
Lasaqa, who made his Super Rugby debut this year against the Reds, is a 22-year-old player who previously played for Bay of Plenty in the NPC. Born in Lautoka, Lasaqa moved to New Zealand to attend Tauranga Boys’ College.
The other three new players joining the Highlanders are Will Stoddart, former New Zealand sevens rugby winger Caleb Tangitau, and Josh Wahaanga.