Highlanders 2021
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I think I just heard Tony Johnson say in his commentary during the Ta$man v BOP game that Liam Squire will return to NZ rugby next year. I assume he meant Super Rugby. Are there any rumours of him re-signing with the Highlanders? I sure hope he's not going to keep Mikaele-Tu'u out of the 8 jersey ... Or could it be another franchise?
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@Stargazer I heard it too. He'd be bloody handy to have on the bench or as back up at 6/8 but maybe the canes could do with a 6 of his calibre to start.
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@Bones I don't think the Canes need another loosie. The starting and bench spots are basically already filled with who they have, even if Evans doesn't return (no idea whether he will). I was more thinking of the Chiefs, if not the Landers.
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Not that I assume he's on huge money, but could it be money related? If a franchise was in the shit for cash, I could see them passing on established players and trying to get 'value' out of up and comers (especially, when i think they still have Coltman).
It's literally the only reason I can think of not to sign him.
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a contributing factor might be if Frizell heads to the Saders as has been mentioned, without him and experienced 6 would be welcome
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@Kiwiwomble That could result in a Highlanders backrow of Squire, Mikaele-Tu'u and Lentjes. Not bad at all, although Squire has become a bit injury prone, the last few years.
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@Stargazer dont get me wrong, i would rather keep Frizell....but beggers etc
I'm worried Lentjes is getting past it, not in the best form for a while before getting injured, if we can get/keep some experience at 6 then i wouldn't mind running someone young/new at 7
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this seems a bit out of the blue, havent seen anything offical
i dont know whos making these signings, we havent announced a head coach
also not sure No8 is where we're light, we have MMT, Misiloi and Ben-Nicolas plays there too...and thats just off the top of my head
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@Kiwiwomble Himeno can also played 6 - played there at times during RWC.
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@Kiwiwomble Hmm, that would be a surprise signing. As to the Highlanders number 8s, IIRC, MMT is off-contract, but somehow I can't see him going anywhere else, unless there is a serious culture issue. This year, he was the first choice no. 8; I don't think there's a chance he could get that much game time anywhere else.
Misiloi is off-contract, too, and was injured all season. Not sure about TBN.
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@Stargazer misiloi fit again, played on the weekend as did Ben-nicolas
i wasn't up to date with the contract status so maybe some people are moving on and just not announced
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The news is correct. Kazuki Himeno will join the Highlanders for the 2021 season.
There's an announcement on the Toyota Verblitz website: http://sports.gazoo.com/verblitz/news/2020/10/007696.html
Steve Hansen's Toyota is one of the Japanese clubs who have signed several New Zealand players this year. Maybe some kind of deal between Toyoata V and NZR? The announcement sounds like he's going with their blessing and to get some overseas' experience that will benefit Japanese rugby.
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@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2021:
Shit signing. We have so many great young loose forwards and they opt for a Japanese international. Last time a Super team signed a Japanese team it was Ata'ata Moeakiola for the Chiefs and he did sweet fuck all.
He was awesome in the RWC. Reckon that’s a great signing myself
