Highlanders 2021
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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
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@Billy-Tell not doubting his ability at all.
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@Billy-Tell said in Highlanders 2021:
@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
In a team with several glaring weaknesses and limited resources available in NZ, blindside is the last place I'd be looking overseas.
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oh well, welcome aboard! at very least we're not likely to be worse than last year when it comes to loosies
woudn't mind a head coach
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2021:
@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.
Hope the Crusaders are sniffing around MMT if he is off contract. I reckon he would get a regular start there as a 8.
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@Crazy-Horse If they keep Cullen Grace at 6, yes. MMT is definitely better than Douglas. But I understand from the media that the Crusaders will fill all holes in their squad from their own academy.
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@Stargazer if that's the case I hope they have a good one squirreled away. Apart from Blackadder (who seems to be injury prone), Grace is the only loosie I am excited about. But this is a Highlanders thread so I will leave it there.
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2021:
@Crazy-Horse If they keep Cullen Grace at 6, yes. MMT is definitely better than Douglas. But I understand from the media that the Crusaders will fill all holes in their squad from their own academy.
Yeah that was quoted in the media and I believe from sources that’s their preferred option now.
the academy players from both regions spend alot of time around the Crusaders training being simulated into the culture,therefore are ready to slip into the squad. -
This suggests that Frizell isn't going anywhere and ... that Ash Dixon has indeed not been offered a contract. Are they nuts?
The Highlanders have already bolstered their stocks by bringing in former Crusaders teammates Billy Harmon and Fetuli Paea, both of whom will aide the departures of new Blues flanker Dillon Hunt and out-of-contract trio Ash Dixon, Teihorangi Walden and Josh McKay.
Experienced midfielder Rob Thompson has also confirmed he has ended his time with the Highlanders, while head coach of the past three seasons Aaron Mauger wasn’t offered a contract renewal following this year’s campaign.
Predominantly a No. 8, Himeno will have stern competition for a starting role given the rise of Marino Mikaele-Tu’u this season, while the franchise also boasts All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell in what is looking a strong loose forward contingent.
Highlanders sign Japanese test star for 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa season
The widespread change in personnel over the Super Rugby offseason has continued at the Highlanders.
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nothing actually on the Highlanders socials...top notch communication once again
when i look at this list of departing players i can only assume we're looking to save some money and fill the ranks from locallygutted about Ash but Ricky Jackson has been pretty handy for Otago....hopefully Paea is what we've been looking for in midfield...thats where im most worried
edit:
I see a "7" on his back in one of those pics, might also where we see him filling in
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Are we sure Dixon wants to continue? Some of his recent comments about milestones seem to suggest he is thinking of retiring.
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@Bovidae I have no idea what Ash wants, but would be surprised if he wants to hang up the boots when he's going so well. Maybe going to Japan to earn a bigger pay check? Would be well-deserved after so many years of loyal service to both Highlanders and Hawke's Bay.
