The Netherlands-born lock who is turning heads with All Blacks XV

Fabian Holland has been riding the crest of a wave since leaving the Netherlands as a teenager to pursue an improbable rugby dream in New Zealand.

The towering lock (204cm, 125kg) grew up, next door to a rugby club in Castricum, a seaside town near Amsterdam.

Further rugby research led him to YouTube, where he became besotted with the All Blacks. That fascination compelled Holland to shift to New Zealand, where he made such a big impression at Christchurch Boys’ High School that he was rushed into the 2019 New Zealand Secondary Schools team.

His ascent since then has been rapid, and last weekend, he was named man of the match in the 38-24 win by the All Blacks XV against Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick.

Holland made a dozen tackles, carried vigorously, and was the central target in a lineout that won 13 of 14 throws.

“I was real keen to get out there and make an impression. Our first game together in the Silver Fern is special. Munster brought a lot of fuel to the fire. I haven’t played in an atmosphere like that but it was awesome. It helps you bring the energy,” Holland told RugbyPass.

“Munster are one of those teams that come together through adversity. They’ve got a lot of leaders and experience. It was a real challenge. We were stocked to get the dub.”

The All Blacks XV made 68 more tackles than Munster who lacked the clinical accuracy of their counterparts.

Holland’s precision has been eye-catching since arriving in New Zealand. His raw talent at a senior level was showcased in his second game for Otago when he scored a 30m try off the bench in a 33-28 win against Wellington in 2021.

In Super Rugby Pacific 2024, he became an indispensable part of the Highlanders starting 12 of 13 matches. In the famous 32-29 win against the Crusaders, the Highlanders first victory in 19 games against New Zealand opposition, Holland made 17 tackles as the Highlanders secured 14 out of 15 lineouts.

In the NPC Holland was imperious in an often mediocre Otago side. In the third round 31-26 victory against the eventual finalists Bay of Plenty he made 21 tackles, ten carries, and helped the lineout win 13 of 14 throws.

From the bench, he scored tries in wins against Tasman (47-31) and Northland (31-28). Otago was the first team to beat then-Ranfurly Shield holder Tasman.

Holland’s New Zealand journey hasn’t been without blips. A keen surfer he was caught in a rip in Dunedin three years ago and nearly drowned.

“That wasn’t my finest moment,” Holland laughed. “Who told you that?”

“I wasn’t familiar with the conditions and needed help to get out. I’d never come across a rip like that before. I’m grateful for the help to get out.”

Holland is a quick learner something vastly experienced Christchurch Boys’ High School First XV coach Mike Dury discovered. A winner of two Canterbury championships, Dury was startled by the eagerness and intelligence of the big Dutchman.

“When he first arrived he spoke English like Justin Marshall. When I asked him who his favourite player was he replied Jimmy Cowan,” Dury laughed.

“Fabian is a sponge for knowledge, a bright boy from a great family. His father is a chemical engineer and his Mum works in water management. Fabian studies sciences at university. He’s had to work hard at some of the technical aspects of the game, especially getting his body position lower in the tackle but he’s a natural.”

 “Mike. He’s a great man, my Kiwi uncle. I still keep in touch with him for advice.” Holland acclaimed.

Holland played First XV rugby with Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah. His brother Quinten was selected for the New Zealand Schools who completed an unbeaten tour of Australia last year.

He will start off the bench for the All Blacks XV in their last tour match against Georgia in Montpellier France on Monday morning New Zealand time.

The All Blacks beat Georgia at the 2015 Rugby World Cup otherwise New Zealand and Georiga have little history of rivalry.

What do I know about Georgia? Their main sport is wrestling. If you don’t do that you do weightlifting. If you don’t wrestle or lift weights you play rugby,” Kellow observed.

“Georgia is a rising force in the international game. They’ve got nothing to lose and plenty to prove. They’re big men who play physically.”

*Scotland’s Tim Visser was a Tier 1 rugby international born in Holland.