Withy (20) and Ma’u (21) are both graduates of the Highlanders’ high performance programme.
Withy has been earmarked for success since his schooldays. The promising loose forward captained the successful Southland Boys’ High School First XV in 2017 and 2018.
His workrate, accuracy and defensive work commanded attention.
Withy moved to Dunedin in 2019 to study at the University of Otago and joined the University premier team.
He made his debut for Otago last season and captained the Highlanders at the inaugural Aotearoa Super Rugby under-20 tournament.
He stood out with some strong performances and was named player of the tournament.
Withy was also a member of the New Zealand under-20 team that went on a domestic tour in June and July after the transtasman tour was cancelled due to Covid-19.
Ma’u is an outstanding young tighthead prop. He arrived in Dunedin from Auckland Grammar in 2018.
He had already been identified as an elite player with his selection in the New Zealand Schools team.
Ma’u joined the Harbour Hawks, where he put his 140kg frame to good use.
He made his debut for Otago in 2019 but his development has been delayed by injury.
Ma’u will join an experienced group of Highlanders tighthead props in Josh Hohneck, Jermaine Ainsley and Jeff Thwaites.
Ma’u was thrilled to sign his first full Super Rugby contract.
‘‘ I am so grateful for all the opportunities so many people have provided for me,’’ he said.
‘‘Having injuries over the last few seasons has been hard but for now I am happy to be looking forward to the Super Rugby season.’’
Withy described his promotion as ‘‘a dream come true’’.
‘‘I grew up watching the Highlanders [so] it’s been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember,’’ Withy said.
Assistant coach Clarke Dermody said the pair still had plenty to learn but had progressed nicely.
‘‘We’ve seen these guys coming through our system over the last few years and they’ve quietly gone about learning all the things you require to achieve at the professional level,’’ Dermody said.
‘‘There is still plenty for them to work on, of course ... but we believe the upper ceiling on these guys is quite high”.
