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 both signed two-year contracts with the team.
Vikena, who hails from Nasilai in Rewa, was a member of the Blues squad that won the Super Rugby title. In 2020, he was part of the Blues Under-20s and was named the Blues Development Player of the Year. He has 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 as a hooker, strong running in open field, excellent tackling, and accurate line-out throws.
Lasaqa, who made his Super Rugby debut against the Reds this year, is a 22-year-old who played for Bay of Plenty in the NPC. Born in Lautoka, he moved to New Zealand to attend Tauranga Boys’ College.
The other three new players are Will Stoddart, former New Zealand sevens rugby winger Caleb Tangitau, and Josh Wahaanga.