Gore players return to Highlanders

Otago fullback Finn Hurley in action during last month’s NPC semifinal at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photos: Gregor Richardson

Former Gore locals Finn Hurley and Cameron Millar will be returning to the Highlanders for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The pair were announced last week as part of a 38-man squad, which also includes Southland Stags’ Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor and Sean Withy.

Newcomers to the squad are former All Black front rower Angus Ta’avao, experienced Argentinian international Tomas Lavanini and exciting Wellington outside back Stanley Solomon, who inked deals earlier in the year.

Others who will pull on the Highlanders jersey for the first time next season are former Brumbies and Force utility back Reesjan Pasitoa, New Zealand All Black Sevens and Olympic medallist Andrew Knewstubb and Auckland winger Xavier Tito-Harris.

The new cohort will join forces with some experienced names.

Loosehead prop de Groot will lead the charge in the front row alongside the likes of Saula Ma’u and Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Hookers Henry Bell, Jack Taylor and Soane Vikena will jostle for a starting spot. It is an area where the Highlanders will be looking for a bit more impact.

Locks Fabian Holland and Mitch Dunshea return, while the loose forward cupboard is overflowing.

Hugh Renton, who has not played since April, has retained his place alongside Sean Withy and Te Kamaka Howden, who are at present touring with the All Blacks XV.

Will Stodart had a breakthrough season for Otago and will be pushing hard for regular game time.

First five Cameron Millar had a strong NPC campaign and will take some confidence into the Super Rugby season.

Halfback Folau Fakatava, alongside Pledger, was the form halfback in the NPC and is an experienced campaigner with first dibs on the No 9 jersey.

Taranaki and Chiefs first five Josh Jacomb will join the Highlanders next season and add depth at that position.

Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele’a form a formidable midfield combination. Tavatavanawai forced his way into the All Blacks this season following an impressive campaign for the Highlanders.

Jona Nareki, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Caleb Tangitau will make a threatening back three.

Cameron Millar.

Coach Jamie Joseph has focused on building depth and feels the squad is more balanced this year.

"We learned some hard lessons last year after losing several close games, but we had a relatively young team who would have learned and grown from their experiences.

"We knew we had to build depth across the board to enable us to better utilise our squad across the whole season; we have recruited in the off season to do just that and believe we have a better-balanced squad heading into 2026," he said in a statement.