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.
Vikena, who hails from Nasilai in Rewa, was a member of the Blues squad that clinched the Super Rugby title. In 2020, he played for the Blues Under-20s and was named the Blues Development Player of the Year. He represented New Zealand U20 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 an energetic hooker, known for his strong open-field running, excellent tackling, and accurate line-out throws.
Lasaqa made his Super Rugby debut this year against the Reds. The 22-year-old played for the Bay of Plenty in the NPC. Born in Lautoka, Lasaqa 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.