Highlanders lock in All Blacks duo

The Highlanders have announced the re-signing of several players for 2019 including All Blacks Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said “We have been working for some time to confirm our squad for next year and we are delighted that so many of our experienced players have chosen to commit to us again for 2019. We appreciate good players will always have options so their commitment to the Highlanders enables us to look toward next season with some certainty”

Naholo joined the Highlanders in 2015 and played a key role in their inaugural title campaign and was also part of the World Cup winning All Blacks squad that year. He has scored 36 tries for the Highlanders and is looking forward to more of the same.

“Dunedin and the Highlanders have been good for me, my career really started when I came here. I love playing for this team especially at home under the roof. I have had plenty of great times and I am keen to continue next season,” Naholo said.

The full list of those who have re-signed for 2019 is:

Waisake Naholo

Liam Squire

Rob Thompson

James Lentjes

Kayne Hammington

Siate Tokolahi

Head coach Aaron Mauger said “building and maintaining a competitive Super Rugby squad is a challenging process and requires a great deal of planning to get the right balance. All the guys we are re-signing now are central to our future and are quality men and players, it’s great to have them on board for 2019.”

Further signings will be announced in the next few days.

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