The John McGlashan College First XV took on Francis Douglas Memorial College First XV, from New Plymouth, in a pre-season game.
Former Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger, in charge of the franchise from 2018-20, is coaching the John McGlashan College First XV this year.
He is being helped out by Japan coach Jamie Joseph, who coached the Highlanders from 2011 to 2016.
Joseph is due to head back to Japan next month to start training his side for a game against the British and Irish Lions in Edinburgh in June. The former coaches both have sons in the McGlashan side.
There were also familiar faces associated with the New Plymouth side. Francis Douglas Memorial College is coached by Josh and Teihorangi Walden.
The two brothers went to Francis Douglas, where Teihorangi was head boy, and then came south to study at the University of Otago. The duo played for the Southern club and both played for Otago.
Teihorangi ended up playing 39 games for the Highlanders from 2016 to last season.
The Walden brothers are now coaching their old first XV— Teihorangi ruptured his Achilles last season for Taranaki and is out of action.
The brothers managed to organise All Black Aaron Smith and Otago captain Michael Collins to present the side with their playing jerseys on Thursday and also met Francis Douglas Memorial College old boy Liam Coltman. The Barrett brothers also attended Francis Douglas Memorial College.
Mingling with some high powered players must have paid off for the New Plymouth side as it ended up winning 22-12 after leading 12-5 at the break.
