The foundations are well set for next year for the Highlanders but there will be big shoes to fill in one position.
The Highlanders have 27 players signed for next year, including all the key men, but will be losing two experienced loose forwards.
No 8 and co-captain Nasi Manu has signed a two-year deal with Edinburgh and will leave the country in the next few weeks after a stellar career.
Manu has been unlucky enough to play in the same era as one of the country's greatest No 8s in Kieran Read.
If any man deserved an All Black jersey, it was Manu, and who fills his shoes will be an important part of the puzzle for the Highlanders in 2016.
Elliot Dixon plays No 8 for Southland and could step into the jersey while Gareth Evans has also played that position for Otago and Hawkes Bay.
Manu's importance for the Highlanders cannot be overlooked. One of the two captains in the team, his ability to get over the advantage line was a massive factor in the Super rugby success.
Openside flanker John Hardie has not yet re-signed and has been tipped to head to Scotland where he could play for the national side through parentage.
Hardie has played more than 50 games for the Highlanders but has picked up his fair share of injuries over the six seasons he has been with the team.
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark confirmed the franchise had 27 players signed for next season.
He did not want to get into specifics of which players would be coming back and who would be leaving, as negotiations were continuing.
The next few weeks are likely to be busy for the New Zealand franchises as players come off contracts and look for new deals.
The back three is looking secure with Ben Smith, Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo all signed on for next year, along with nippy winger Ryan Tongia.
Naholo is still trying to get out of his contract with French club Clermont but, as far as he is concerned, he will be back in Dunedin next year.
The midfield is looking secure, although Shaun Treeby, who played his 50th game for the franchise this year, is still weighing up his future.
First five-eighth Hayden Parker is still working through whether he will come back to the franchise next year after a shoulder injury wrecked his season.
Marty Banks and Lima Sopoaga are returning.
Star halfback Aaron Smith is signed on until 2017 but who is going to be his back-up is still up in the air.
Up front, most of the side's loose forwards, apart from Hardie and Manu, will be returning, although squad member James Lentjes has not yet been signed up for next year.
The Highlanders have four locks for next season and impressive veteran Alex Ainley has signed on for another year.
The front-row stocks are strong with plenty of props and frontline hookers Liam Coltman and Ash Dixon back again.
