Highlanders 2024
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@SouthernMann Yeah, I know, but I hadn't seen his name mentioned before.
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@SouthernMann dude!...15-1 16-23 is hurting my eyes!
yeah, very glad CGB is still here, will need a good season to stay any longer though, this was his lifeline
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann Yeah, I know, but I hadn't seen his name mentioned before.
I think most people just had it as a given that he would be leaving.
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@SouthernMann think the reinforcements are coming from the North highlanders fans
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@george33 said in Highlanders 2024:
Looking at that highlanders departure lounge no surprise really most if not all were all ready confirmed
Yeah apart from three guys, there are not any guys you look at and think jeez what the heck are they thinking.
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I'd say the squad news has been good beyond belief. There isn't anyone I'm disappointed is staying, nor anyone I'm realistically sad is leaving. MMT maybe, but never really kicked on, and Broughton and Haig have big futures.
Likewise, PUJ and JRK are arguably the best players which were available who we could have got. This squad makes the playoffs...
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The Highlanders already have youngster Cam Millar on their books, but will again look for an experienced No 10 to guide Millar through the formative years of his career.
Gaps also exist at lock, loose forward and the midfield, where the Highlanders were unsuccessful in their attempts to land both Levi Aumua, who has joined the Crusaders, and Matt Proctor, the former Hurricanes midfielder who has signed for the Melbourne Rebels.
In each of these positions the Highlanders are looking for an experienced operator to complement their younger players, as they had already announced the signings of midfielder Jake Te Hiwi and loose forwards Oliver Haig and Hayden Michaels.
The Highlanders have also retained some older heads such as hard-working loose forward Hugh Renton – one of the standouts of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign – and props Daniel Lienert-Brown and Ayden Johnstone.
Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley, Saula Ma’u and Luca Inch will complete the six-strong group of props for 2024.
Locks Pari Pari Parkinson, Fabian Holland and Will Tucker are also returning, as is No 6/lock Max Hicks, but that quartet will need another body to cope with the inevitable injuries.
A hardened experienced hooker is also on the wish list. The original plan had been to retain one of Andrew Makalio, Rhys Marshall or Leni Apisai, but none of those players had strong enough seasons to warrant a new contract.
The Highlanders will take their time to assess options at hooker and in the midfield, with the need to scour overseas markets showing that the player market is tight, and intensely competitive in New Zealand.
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Had a chat to a mate that’s working for the Landers and I questioned him on the PUJ move and he just sent back a smiley face. He said he has heard of a few more signings like that but couldn’t confirm until they were announced. Watch this space Landers fans.
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Been fascinating reading a lot of doom and gloom about this announcement. Personally, I'm so excited. These are the players we had to move on to move forward. The only other player who hasn't worked in the squad is Jonah Lowe. But I'm willing to give him another year.
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@SouthernMann IIRC Lowe signed a 3-yr deal.
Is Inch ready for SR?
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Signing Lowe for three years was nothing short of desperation. A contract of that length for a mid range winger. Nuts. Dermody thinks very highly of Inch. I expect Hastie will quickly nab the no2 halfback spot off Arscott.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2024:
Had a chat to a mate that’s working for the Landers and I questioned him on the PUJ move and he just sent back a smiley face. He said he has heard of a few more signings like that but couldn’t confirm until they were announced. Watch this space Landers fans.
Well we know of PUJ and JRK.
With what was announced today, in the backline there is only a spot left for another two first fives (We assume one to be Faleafaga) and an outside back. In the pack, Henry Bell will be there, and we assume Jack Taylor will be. Leaves one spot at hooker, another lock, and another lock/loose forward/prop.
One first five spot, the hooker spot I expect will be filled by overseas players by the sounds. The lock spot is also not filled, though conceivably we have picked up another one of those.
I guess what I'm really saying is, in terms of really exciting signings already made, there isn't a heck of a lot of room, because I'm fairly confident that where we don't know, we don't actually have a player signed. The only other really cool signing would be Tavatavanawai for the back three, but we haven't heard anything about that.
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Irish Paul and the ODT confirm Bell, Taylor and Faleafaga. Also says Hurley and Stodart won't be there next year. https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/132439491/highlanders-sign-young-trio-ajay-faleafaga-jack-taylor-and-henry-bell
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
Irish Paul and the ODT confirm Bell, Taylor and Faleafaga. Also says Hurley and Stodart won't be there next year. https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/132439491/highlanders-sign-young-trio-ajay-faleafaga-jack-taylor-and-henry-bell
I love this, the way to go. Super is pretty well locked in until 2030, so teams can spend some time developing players etc. I also believe that in the long run the team will have a good Highlander's culture and will stay more loyal to team. This is what Aussie teams seem(or should) to be realising is the way forward, rather than just want to buy NZ players!!
Well done Clan!!!
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Highlanders Announce New Additions to 2024 Squad | Highlanders Rugby Club Limited Partnership
The Highlanders have announced the signing of several young players for 2024. In a move that was well signposted during the year players from their High Performance Programme will graduate to full contracts next season. Otago first-five, Cameron Millar, will be joined in the squad by fellow Otago...
