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. 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 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 playing style, strong running in open field, excellent tackling, and accurate line-out throws.
Lasaqa made his Super Rugby debut this year against the Reds. The 22-year-old has played for Bay of Plenty in the NPC. Born in Lautoka, Lasaqa 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.