Highlanders Bolster Squad with Local and Youthful RecruitsHighlanders Bolster Squad with Local and Youthful Recruits The Highlanders have strengthened their roster with the signing of two local talents and the acquisition of three promising youngsters. Former John McGlashan College player Josh Whaanga and Otago University forward Will Stodart have earned full contracts after impressive performances in the club’s high performance programme. They will be joined by Caleb Tangitau, Soane Vikena, and Veveni Lasaqa, all of whom have secured two-year deals. Whaanga, 20, has distinguished himself as a sturdy utility player, excelling on the wing for Otago and as a key midfielder for the Highlanders. Stodart, also 20, is a tall and powerful forward who made his Super Rugby debut against the Rebels last year. The trio of Tangitau, Vikena, and Lasaqa adds depth to specific positions where the Highlanders need reinforcements. Tangitau, a 21-year-old winger, brings experience from the All Blacks Sevens and the Blues. Vikena, a former New Zealand under-20 player, is a versatile back who can run, throw line-outs, and tackle. Lasaqa, 22, is a mobile and robust loose forward. The Highlanders have indicated that they expect to fill four or five more spots in their 2025 squad. Despite these additions, there remain potential gaps at prop and possibly in midfield, which the club may address in the coming months.
The Highlanders have signed two local talents and recruited three more youngsters for the future.
Former John McGlashan College player Josh Whaanga and Otago University forward Will Stodart have moved from the club’s high performance programme to full contracts.
They will be joined by former New Zealand under-20 players Caleb Tangitau and Soane Vikena, and Fijian-born Veveni Lasaqa.
They have all signed two-year contracts (2025-2026), except Whaanga, who has signed for three years (2025-2027).
Whaanga, who joins his older brother Matt in the squad, is only 20 but has already gained a fair amount of experience.
Last season he played every match for Otago in the NPC, was a member of the New Zealand under-20 team and captained the Highlanders under-20 team.
It all happened a year after he was the star of the McGlashan team that reached the top four of the First XV competition.
Josh Whaanga is a sturdy lad of 1.93 cm and 98 kg. For Otago he mainly played on the wing, but for the Highlanders this Balclutha product is a key player in midfield.
Stodart is also a 20-year-old who has long been in contention for higher honours.
The university forward is 197cm tall and weighs 116kg. Last year he was in the New Zealand under-20 selection.
Stodart, originally from Southland, was a member of the Highlanders’ wider training group before being promoted to a full contract in December.
He then made his Super Rugby debut against the Rebels.
The other three players clearly fill positions the Highlanders need, but they are likely more projects than immediate starters.
Tangitau, a 21-year-old winger, is the most recognizable name.
He was a regular member of the All Blacks Sevens team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Sevens World Cup and made his debut for the Blues last year.
Although the Highlanders have some useful wingers in Jona Nareki and Timoci Tavatavanawai, more depth is needed following the departure of Martin Bogado.
The little-known Lasaqa will also join a group with a high turnover, the loose forwards, who will miss captain Billy Harmon.
Lasaqa, 22, is not tall at 186cm and 101kg, but he is mobile and tough.
He was born in Lautoka but came to Tauranga Boys’ College and made his NPC debut for Bay of Plenty in 2021, before being called up to the Hurricanes this year.
Vikena, the Blues’ third cornerback whose arrival was announced a few weeks ago, arrives to buy time with youngsters Henry Bell and Jack Taylor.
The former New Zealand under-20 player has all the qualities – he can run the ball, throw line-outs and tackle – and the Highlanders are keen to see if he can develop into a weapon.
The Highlanders had previously indicated that only four or five spots were still open in the 2025 squad.
That suggests the squad is almost complete, although there appear to be gaps at the prop position and possibly in midfield.
