.gif)
Highlanders (Super rugby franchise)
Encyclopedia
The Highlanders are a New Zealand
professional rugby union
team based in Dunedin
that compete in Super Rugby. The franchise represents the North Otago
, Otago
and Southland provincial Rugby unions. The Highlanders take their name from the Scottish
immigrants that helped found the Otago, North Otago
, and Southland
regions in the 1840s and 1850s. Their main ground through the 2011 Super Rugby season was Carisbrook
in Dunedin
, with home games occasionally being played in Invercargill
and Queenstown
. The Highlanders will move into Carisbrook's replacement, Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza, starting with the 2012 season; the stadium opened in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup
, but after the Super Rugby season.
The franchise was formed in 1996 to represent the lower South Island
in the newly formed Super 12 competition. They finished the inaugural season eighth, and the following season finished last after winning only three of eleven matches. However in the 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons they qualified for semi-finals; the best result in their history was in 1999 when they hosted the competition final against fellow South Island team the Crusaders. They lost the match 24–19, and the following year were again knocked out by the Crusaders—this time in their semi-final. Since then they have only finished in the top four once more, in 2002. Between the 2003 and 2007 seasons the team has finished ninth three times and eighth once.
Former Highlander, Anton Oliver
has played a record 127 games for the franchise, and thirteen other players have played over 50 games for the team. The Highlanders' highest career points scorer is Tony Brown with 857 points, and highest career try
scorer is Jeff Wilson
with 35. They are currently coached by Jamie Joseph
and are captained by Jamie Mackintosh
.
The 1996 team was captained by John Leslie and coached by Gordon Hunter. Their first Super 12 match was against the Queensland Reds
at Carisbrook
on 3 March 1996, whom they defeated 57–17. After three matches the Highlanders were undefeated and leading the competition. However the following week at Loftus Versfeld Stadium
in South Africa they were defeated 59–29 by Northern Transvaal
. They only won two more games that season, against Natal
at Carisbrook and against the Canterbury Crusaders at Lancaster Park, and they finished the season eighth on the table.
1997 was the least successful season ever for the Highlanders. They finished last in the competition, and managed only three wins. They were now coached by Glenn Ross and captained by Taine Randell
. Their eight defeats that season included a 75–43 defeat to Natal in Durban
. The points scored by Natal included 50 points by Gavin Lawless
— a competition record. Following their last place in the 1997 season, Tony Gilbert was appointed as coach. Their first game under his guidance was an upset 26–19 win over the Queensland Reds. The Highlanders eventually became the first New Zealand side to defeat all four South African teams in one season. After defeating the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld they needed the Queensland Reds not to defeat the Brumbies by a large margin. Queensland were defeated by the Brumbies 23–16 and the Highlanders finished fourth, thus qualifying for the semi-finals. In the semi-final, they faced defending champions the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. The Blues were leading 20–16 at halftime, and were leading 30–26 before a controversial try to Adrian Cashmore
pushed the Blues to a 37–26 lead. Joeli Vidiri had illegally taken out Highlander Stanley off the ball.
The following season in 1999 the Highlanders improved on their 1997 season record by reaching and hosting the tournament final. They opened their season with a 19–13 victory over the Auckland Blues at Carisbrook. This was followed by a victory over the Northern Bulls, the Stormers
at Carisbrook, and the Cats, before their first loss of the season to the Sharks. They returned to New Zealand to defeat the Waikato Chiefs
and then the Crusaders. After defeating the Reds, the Highlanders lost to the New South Wales Waratahs
at Carisbrook. The next week they defeated the Brumbies at the same venue. In their next match, despite leading the Wellington Hurricanes
14–3 at half time, the Highlanders lost when Hurricanes half-back Jason Spice
scored in the corner to give the Hurricanes a 21–19 victory. Had the Highlanders won they would have finished top of the table and hosted a semi-final at Carisbrook. Instead they then had to travel to South Africa where they defeated the Stormers 33–18. The Highlanders travelled back to Dunedin for the 1999 Super 12 Final, which was against South Island rivals the Canterbury Crusaders, and was billed as "the party at Tony Brown's house" after Highlanders first five-eighth Tony Brown. The Highlanders scored first, and led 14–9 at half time. However the decisive try was to Crusaders wing Afato So'oalo, who chipped the ball then out-sprinted All Blacks
winger Jeff Wilson to collect the ball and score. Although the Highlanders scored a try to Isitolo Maka with three minutes remaining, the Crusaders won 24–19.
The Highlanders opened their 2000 season with a 50–13 victory over the Queensland Reds at Carisbrook. They won their next three matches, against the Sharks, Hurricanes and Cats. However they then lost their following three; against the Crusaders, Brumbies, and Blues. They played the Crusaders at Jade Stadium in their semi-final, and were defeated 37–15 after Marika Vunibaka
scored two tries for the Crusaders in the last 20 minutes. The next season opened with a 23–8 victory over the Blues. Their 39–20 defeat of the Waratahs at Carisbrook on 7 April was the first defeat of New South Wales by an Otago-based side since the Otago provincial team defeated New South Wales 5–0 in 1901. The Highlanders narrowly lost to the Hurricanes in Napier 35–33 before defeating the Brumbies at Carisbrook on 20 April. Although the Highlanders went undefeated at home for a second consecutive season, the they finished fifth with six wins that season.
Laurie Mains had returned from South Africa to coach Otago in the 2001 National Provincial Championship
(NPC), and was appointed the Highlanders coach for 2002. Their season started with a narrow 30–28 loss to the Crusaders at Jade Stadium. That year the Highlanders also achieved a win over all four South African teams. The Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy was also introduced that season to be contested between the Highlanders and Blues. Gordon Hunter had coached both teams before dying from cancer in 2001. The match was played at Eden Park, and the Highlanders were ahead 15–3 at half time, and eventually won 20–13. Their last home match of the season was against the Reds at Carisbrook. The Highlanders’ 40–26 win meant that they had gone three seasons undefeated at Carisbrook. The Highlanders finished fourth and played the Crusaders in Christchurch where they lost 34–23, although Jeff Wilson did score a try in his last match for the franchise.
The 2003 season started with a 29–16 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton
. They then defeated the Stormers and Bulls before losing to the Cats in Johannesburg. Their second loss occurred when the Crusaders defeated them 17–16 at Carisbrook. The Highlanders had gone three seasons, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and 16 games unbeaten at Carisbrook before that loss. The Highlanders then defeated the Blues 22–11 to retain the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy. In April that year it was revealed a rift had developed between coach Laurie Mains and some of the senior players in the squad. Anton Oliver was branded the ringleader by Mains, and after their final game of the season Mains resigned and was replaced by his assistant Greg Cooper.
In contrast to their previous season, in 2004 the Highlanders conceded 44 tries, twelve more than in 2003, but scored nine more tries then in 2003. Not only did they have a new head coach, but also thirteen new players in their squad. This all contributed to them finishing the season ninth that season. The Highlanders' 2005 season started with a loss to the Blues at Carisbrook. Following this the side won six games consecutively, the first time the franchise had ever done so. After a draw with the Stormers and a bye, the Highlanders had gone unbeaten for eight weeks. Three weeks from the end of the round robin they were third, but after losing their remaining three matches fell to eighth for the season.
After ten years the Super 12 was expanded to include two extra teams; the Western Force
from Australia, and the Central Cheetahs
from South Africa. The expanded competition was renamed the Super 14. The Highlanders continued under Cooper in 2006. After losing their first match of 2006 to the Crusaders, they then won their next three. After only won two of their last six games, they finished the season ranked ninth. The 2007 ended with a similar result to 2006. The Highlanders again finished ninth on the table, and worst of the New Zealand teams. They finished the season with five wins and eight losses from their thirteen matches.
While the fortunes of the franchise had been declining for a few years, they would bottom out with a player exodus following the 2007 Rugby World Cup
. The squad's entire All Black front row of Carl Hayman
, Anton Oliver
, and Clarke Dermody
left for lucrative contracts in Europe, while star first-five Nick Evans moved north to Auckland to play for the Blues, and hugely talented young lock James Ryan
was forced to retire at age 24 due to injury problems. Joining the exodus were several other veteran starters, along with coach Greg Cooper who left the franchise to take up an assistant coaching position with the Blues. The coach for the 2008 season, Glenn Moore, was appointed 28 August 2007.
Moore was left with a weak side of young and inexperienced players which would stumble to a franchise-worst record of only 3 wins against 10 losses during the 2008 Super 14 season
, and finished as the lowest-placed New Zealand team on the table. Jimmy Cowan
, one of the team's few bright spots through this period, was appointed team captain for 2009, but things would improve little over the following two seasons as the team again limped to the worst record of the New Zealand clubs. When Moore was released as coach following the 2010 season, the franchise had compiled a record of only 10 wins against 29 losses in three seasons under his leadership.
Former All Black Jamie Joseph
was hired as coach for the 2011 Super Rugby season, while Jamie Mackintosh
replaced Cowan as team captain. The campaign would prove to be the franchise's most successful in several years, as they raced out to a 3-0 start including a monumental away win over the Bulls in Pretoria
. They remained in playoff contention for almost the entire season, sitting 8-4 at one juncture, before slumping under an injury cloud at the end of the year to finish 8th on the table.
The name Highlanders was chosen after the early Scottish
settlers in the lower South Island
. These Scottish settlers were the founders of Dunedin
—known as the "Edinburgh
of the South", and the city where the Highlanders are based. According to the Highlanders official website: " The name and image of the Highlander conjures up visions of fierce independence, pride in one's roots, loyalty, strength, kinship, honesty, and hard work."
The colours of the Highlanders formerly encompassed the provincial colours of North Otago, Otago, and Southland; yellow, blue and maroon
. Blue is also the predominant colour of the Flag of Scotland
, and is used by many sports teams in that country.
On 3 June 2011, the Highlanders introduced—controversially—a new predominantly lime green home kit. It was debuted in the Highlanders final home match of the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Despite the resounding negative feedback from fans, this kit was initially confirmed for the 2012 season. On 6 September 2011, however, the club announced a change of heart—they would be returning to their traditional blue strip for home matchs, and using the lime green kit for away matchs during the 2012 Super Rugby season.
The Highlanders' franchise area consists of the regions controlled by the North Otago, Otago and Southland Rugby Unions. Like all New Zealand Super Rugby sides, the Highlanders are able to protect 24 players from within their franchise area from the draft. They then must go to the draft (which consists of New Zealand-based players not protected by any of the five Super Rugby franchises) to fill their squad. Both Otago and Southland compete in the ITM Cup (formerly the Air New Zealand Cup), and North Otago in the amateur Heartland Championship
. As a result, the majority of Highlanders players play for Otago or Southland.
, which was no longer suitable for international rugby, or as a venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup
. The Carisbrook Stadium Trust was established in 2006 to manage the planning and construction of a new stadium. The new stadium is not on the current Carisbrook site, but instead near the University of Otago
and Otago Harbour
. It is a roofed, all weather stadium with a rectangular configuration, and permanent seating capacity of 25,000 that could be expanded to 35,000 if necessary.
The Highlanders' original home ground was the 29,000 capacity Carisbrook in Dunedin. Carisbrook is also known as "The Brook", or as "The House of Pain" due to its reputation as a difficult venue to visit. The stadium was also well known for Dunedin's large student population (known as "Scarfies") that occupied the terraces—an uncovered concrete embankment at the eastern end of the ground.
The Highlanders usually play at least one regular season match outside of Dunedin, at either Rugby Park
in Invercargill
or the Queenstown Events Centre
in Queenstown
. Prior to 2007 the regular season match was usually played at Rugby Park, however in 2007 they played a match at the Queenstown Events Centre. The Highlanders have also played pre-season matches at Centennial Park in Oamaru
and at the Showgrounds in Balclutha
.
On March 28, 2009, the Highlanders played a home game at FMG Stadium
in Palmerston North
against the Bulls. This game attracted a crowd of 10,000; one of the Highlanders' biggest of the 2009 season.
Current first five-eighth Tony Brown holds several individual records; most points in a season for his 150 in 2000, as well as most career points with 857. His 857 career points included 144 conversions, 183 penalties, and six drop-goals. The most points in a single match is held by former fullback Ben Blair
who scored 28 against the Sharks in 2005. Most career tries is held by former player Jeff Wilson with 35. Wilson and Blair also share the record for most tries in a single match with three along with Israel Dagg
, Doug Howlett
, Ryan Nicholas
, Jeremy Stanley
, and To’o Vaega
.
(IRB). Players may have one or more non-IRB nationalities.
(60 caps) Jimmy Cowan
(51 caps) James Haskell
(42 caps) Adam Thomson (24 caps) Colin Slade
(10 caps) Hosea Gear
(7 caps) Ben Smith
(3 caps) Jarrad Hoeata
(3 caps) Jamie Mackintosh
(1 cap) Tamati Ellison
(1 cap) Siale Piutau
(3 caps)
selection panel. Glen Ross took over in 1997, and was not reappointed for the 1998 season. Tony Gilbert was appointed for the 1998 season, and again coached the team in 1999 before being appointed co-coach for the All Blacks. Peter Sloane was appointed Gilbert's successor for the 2000 season, and also coached them in 2001 before moving to coach the Blues. Laurie Mains returned to New Zealand from South Africa to replace Sloane for the 2002 season. Mains resigned following the 2003 season after a rift between him and senior players. Greg Cooper replaced Mains and coached the team from 2003 until 2007, when he left the franchise to take up the assistant coaches position with the Blues. Glenn Moore coached the club from 2008 through until 2010, when he was relieved of his duties after the club posted only 10 wins against 29 losses in his 3 years in charge. His replacement is former All Black flanker Jamie Joseph
.
Players in bold are in the current squad.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
professional rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
team based in Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
that compete in Super Rugby. The franchise represents the North Otago
North Otago Rugby Football Union
The North Otago Rugby Football Union is a New Zealand rugby union province based in Oamaru and current holders of the Meads cup, the top trophy in the Heartland Championship. They are one of the strongest teams in The Heartland Championship, winning the Meads Cup section of the competition in its...
, Otago
Otago Rugby Football Union
The Otago Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union for the Otago Region of New Zealand. The union is based in the city of Dunedin, and its home ground is Forsyth Barr Stadium. The top representative team competes in the ITM Cup, New Zealand's top provincial...
and Southland provincial Rugby unions. The Highlanders take their name from the Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
immigrants that helped found the Otago, North Otago
North Otago
The district of North Otago in New Zealand covers the area of Otago between Shag Point and the Waitaki River, and extends inland to the west as far as the village of Omarama . The large east-coast town of Oamaru serves as North Otago's main centre...
, and Southland
Southland Region
Southland is New Zealand's southernmost region and is also a district within that region. It consists mainly of the southwestern portion of the South Island and Stewart Island / Rakiura...
regions in the 1840s and 1850s. Their main ground through the 2011 Super Rugby season was Carisbrook
Carisbrook
Carisbrook was a major sporting venue in Dunedin, New Zealand. The city's main domestic and international rugby union venue, it has also been used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross. Carisbrook has also hosted a Joe Cocker concert and frequently hosted pre-game...
in Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
, with home games occasionally being played in Invercargill
Invercargill
Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of the Southland region. It lies in the heart of the wide expanse of the Southland Plains on the Oreti or New River some 18 km north of Bluff,...
and Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains....
. The Highlanders will move into Carisbrook's replacement, Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza, starting with the 2012 season; the stadium opened in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup
2011 Rugby World Cup
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was the seventh Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. The International Rugby Board selected New Zealand as the host country in preference to Japan and South Africa at a meeting in Dublin on 17 November 2005...
, but after the Super Rugby season.
The franchise was formed in 1996 to represent the lower South Island
South Island
The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean...
in the newly formed Super 12 competition. They finished the inaugural season eighth, and the following season finished last after winning only three of eleven matches. However in the 1998, 1999 and 2000 seasons they qualified for semi-finals; the best result in their history was in 1999 when they hosted the competition final against fellow South Island team the Crusaders. They lost the match 24–19, and the following year were again knocked out by the Crusaders—this time in their semi-final. Since then they have only finished in the top four once more, in 2002. Between the 2003 and 2007 seasons the team has finished ninth three times and eighth once.
Former Highlander, Anton Oliver
Anton Oliver
Anton David Oliver is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer who most recently played professionally for the French second-division club Toulon, noted for signing veteran greats including former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and great George Gregan...
has played a record 127 games for the franchise, and thirteen other players have played over 50 games for the team. The Highlanders' highest career points scorer is Tony Brown with 857 points, and highest career try
Try
A try is the major way of scoring points in rugby league and rugby union football. A try is scored by grounding the ball in the opposition's in-goal area...
scorer is Jeff Wilson
Jeff Wilson (sportsman)
-Cricket career:Wilson played his provincial cricket for Otago, as an all-rounder - both a hard-hitting batsman and a right-arm fast-medium pace bowler. His international appearances were in four games of a One Day Internationals series against Australia in the 1992-93 season, and again in an ODI...
with 35. They are currently coached by Jamie Joseph
Jamie Joseph
James Whitinui Joseph is a former All Black flanker.Joseph's All Blacks career spanned 30 matches including 20 tests from 1992 to 1995 including the 1995 World Cup....
and are captained by Jamie Mackintosh
Jamie Mackintosh
Jamie Mackintosh is a professional rugby union player who plays provincially for Southland and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, serving as team captain of both sides...
.
History
The Highlanders' franchise was created as one of five New Zealand teams in the Super 12. Originally named the Otago Highlanders, the Highlanders' franchise area encompassed the lower South Island of New Zealand, and was formed from the North Otago, Otago, and Southland provincial rugby unions.Queensland Reds
The Queensland Reds represent Queensland in the sport of rugby union in the Southern Hemisphere Super Rugby competition. Prior to 1996 they were a representative team selected on merit from the rugby union club competitions in Queensland...
at Carisbrook
Carisbrook
Carisbrook was a major sporting venue in Dunedin, New Zealand. The city's main domestic and international rugby union venue, it has also been used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross. Carisbrook has also hosted a Joe Cocker concert and frequently hosted pre-game...
on 3 March 1996, whom they defeated 57–17. After three matches the Highlanders were undefeated and leading the competition. However the following week at Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Loftus Versfeld Stadium is a rugby and association football stadium situated in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. The stadium has a capacity of 51,762 for rugby union and hosted the 2009 Currie Cup final...
in South Africa they were defeated 59–29 by Northern Transvaal
Blue Bulls
The Blue Bulls, for sponsorship reasons known as the Vodacom Blue Bulls, or more popularly by their Afrikaans name die Blou Bulle, are a South African rugby union team that participates in the annual Currie Cup tournament...
. They only won two more games that season, against Natal
Natal Sharks
The Natal Sharks are a South African rugby union team that participate in the annual Currie Cup and Super Rugby tournaments. The Sharks home stadium is Kings Park. They draw most of their players from the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Sharks are the current representative team of the Natal rugby...
at Carisbrook and against the Canterbury Crusaders at Lancaster Park, and they finished the season eighth on the table.
1997 was the least successful season ever for the Highlanders. They finished last in the competition, and managed only three wins. They were now coached by Glenn Ross and captained by Taine Randell
Taine Randell
Taine Randell is a retired New Zealand rugby union player. He was a versatile loose forward and a former All Black captain.-Summary:...
. Their eight defeats that season included a 75–43 defeat to Natal in Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
. The points scored by Natal included 50 points by Gavin Lawless
Gavin Lawless
Gavin Lawless is a former South African rugby union player.Playing as fullback, he set a number of point scoring records, including the most tries and most points in a Super 12 match , the most penalties in a Currie Cup season , and the most conversions in a Currie Cup final Gavin Lawless is a...
— a competition record. Following their last place in the 1997 season, Tony Gilbert was appointed as coach. Their first game under his guidance was an upset 26–19 win over the Queensland Reds. The Highlanders eventually became the first New Zealand side to defeat all four South African teams in one season. After defeating the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld they needed the Queensland Reds not to defeat the Brumbies by a large margin. Queensland were defeated by the Brumbies 23–16 and the Highlanders finished fourth, thus qualifying for the semi-finals. In the semi-final, they faced defending champions the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. The Blues were leading 20–16 at halftime, and were leading 30–26 before a controversial try to Adrian Cashmore
Adrian Cashmore
Adrian Richard Cashmore in Tokoroa, New Zealand. He is a New Zealand rugby player who played for Auckland and Bay of Plenty provincially, and the Auckland Blues and Chiefs in Super Rugby. He also played professionally in Japan and for Welsh region the Ospreys in the Celtic League...
pushed the Blues to a 37–26 lead. Joeli Vidiri had illegally taken out Highlander Stanley off the ball.
The following season in 1999 the Highlanders improved on their 1997 season record by reaching and hosting the tournament final. They opened their season with a 19–13 victory over the Auckland Blues at Carisbrook. This was followed by a victory over the Northern Bulls, the Stormers
Stormers
The Stormers, for sponsorship reasons referred to as DHL Stormers, are a South African rugby union team based in Cape Town competing in the Super Rugby competition . Despite their lack of silverware over the years, their home stadium, Newlands, typically draws the highest average attendance figures...
at Carisbrook, and the Cats, before their first loss of the season to the Sharks. They returned to New Zealand to defeat the Waikato Chiefs
Chiefs (Super rugby franchise)
The Chiefs are a professional Rugby union team based in Hamilton, New Zealand. Their home ground is Waikato Stadium. The Chiefs play in black, red and yellow coloured jerseys...
and then the Crusaders. After defeating the Reds, the Highlanders lost to the New South Wales Waratahs
New South Wales Waratahs
The New South Wales Waratahs are an Australian rugby union football team, representing the majority of New South Wales in the Super 15 Super Rugby competition...
at Carisbrook. The next week they defeated the Brumbies at the same venue. In their next match, despite leading the Wellington Hurricanes
Hurricanes (Super rugby franchise)
The Hurricanes are a New Zealand professional Rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in the Super Rugby competition...
14–3 at half time, the Highlanders lost when Hurricanes half-back Jason Spice
Jason Spice
Jason Edward Spice is a New Zealand international rugby union player. His position of choice is as a scrum-half.Spice was born in Matamata. He is a former New Zealand cricketer who played for the Northern Districts Knights and the All Blacks in rugby. He also played for Hamilton in the Hawke...
scored in the corner to give the Hurricanes a 21–19 victory. Had the Highlanders won they would have finished top of the table and hosted a semi-final at Carisbrook. Instead they then had to travel to South Africa where they defeated the Stormers 33–18. The Highlanders travelled back to Dunedin for the 1999 Super 12 Final, which was against South Island rivals the Canterbury Crusaders, and was billed as "the party at Tony Brown's house" after Highlanders first five-eighth Tony Brown. The Highlanders scored first, and led 14–9 at half time. However the decisive try was to Crusaders wing Afato So'oalo, who chipped the ball then out-sprinted All Blacks
All Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
winger Jeff Wilson to collect the ball and score. Although the Highlanders scored a try to Isitolo Maka with three minutes remaining, the Crusaders won 24–19.
The Highlanders opened their 2000 season with a 50–13 victory over the Queensland Reds at Carisbrook. They won their next three matches, against the Sharks, Hurricanes and Cats. However they then lost their following three; against the Crusaders, Brumbies, and Blues. They played the Crusaders at Jade Stadium in their semi-final, and were defeated 37–15 after Marika Vunibaka
Marika Vunibaka
Marika "Dawainavesi" Vunibaka is a Fijian rugby union footballer. He has represented the national team on numerous occasions, including at the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales and the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia....
scored two tries for the Crusaders in the last 20 minutes. The next season opened with a 23–8 victory over the Blues. Their 39–20 defeat of the Waratahs at Carisbrook on 7 April was the first defeat of New South Wales by an Otago-based side since the Otago provincial team defeated New South Wales 5–0 in 1901. The Highlanders narrowly lost to the Hurricanes in Napier 35–33 before defeating the Brumbies at Carisbrook on 20 April. Although the Highlanders went undefeated at home for a second consecutive season, the they finished fifth with six wins that season.
National Provincial Championship
The National Provincial Championship, or NPC, is the major domestic rugby competition in New Zealand. The NPC has seen many alterations to its format and brand. Since 2006 the National Championship has been split into 2 competitions, the ITM Cup and the Heartland Championship...
(NPC), and was appointed the Highlanders coach for 2002. Their season started with a narrow 30–28 loss to the Crusaders at Jade Stadium. That year the Highlanders also achieved a win over all four South African teams. The Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy was also introduced that season to be contested between the Highlanders and Blues. Gordon Hunter had coached both teams before dying from cancer in 2001. The match was played at Eden Park, and the Highlanders were ahead 15–3 at half time, and eventually won 20–13. Their last home match of the season was against the Reds at Carisbrook. The Highlanders’ 40–26 win meant that they had gone three seasons undefeated at Carisbrook. The Highlanders finished fourth and played the Crusaders in Christchurch where they lost 34–23, although Jeff Wilson did score a try in his last match for the franchise.
The 2003 season started with a 29–16 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton
Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland...
. They then defeated the Stormers and Bulls before losing to the Cats in Johannesburg. Their second loss occurred when the Crusaders defeated them 17–16 at Carisbrook. The Highlanders had gone three seasons, 2000, 2001 and 2002, and 16 games unbeaten at Carisbrook before that loss. The Highlanders then defeated the Blues 22–11 to retain the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy. In April that year it was revealed a rift had developed between coach Laurie Mains and some of the senior players in the squad. Anton Oliver was branded the ringleader by Mains, and after their final game of the season Mains resigned and was replaced by his assistant Greg Cooper.
In contrast to their previous season, in 2004 the Highlanders conceded 44 tries, twelve more than in 2003, but scored nine more tries then in 2003. Not only did they have a new head coach, but also thirteen new players in their squad. This all contributed to them finishing the season ninth that season. The Highlanders' 2005 season started with a loss to the Blues at Carisbrook. Following this the side won six games consecutively, the first time the franchise had ever done so. After a draw with the Stormers and a bye, the Highlanders had gone unbeaten for eight weeks. Three weeks from the end of the round robin they were third, but after losing their remaining three matches fell to eighth for the season.
After ten years the Super 12 was expanded to include two extra teams; the Western Force
Western Force
Western Force is a rugby union team based in Perth, Western Australia playing in the international Super Rugby competition. They first competed in the 2006 season and finished with the wooden spoon in that year, however their performances greatly improved in 2007. In 2008 they finished in 8th...
from Australia, and the Central Cheetahs
Central Cheetahs
The Central Cheetahs, known for sponsorship reasons as the Toyota Cheetahs, is a South African rugby union team that entered the Super Rugby competition in 2006. The franchise area encompasses the Free State and Northern Cape. In terms of Currie Cup unions, the Cheetahs draw from Free State...
from South Africa. The expanded competition was renamed the Super 14. The Highlanders continued under Cooper in 2006. After losing their first match of 2006 to the Crusaders, they then won their next three. After only won two of their last six games, they finished the season ranked ninth. The 2007 ended with a similar result to 2006. The Highlanders again finished ninth on the table, and worst of the New Zealand teams. They finished the season with five wins and eight losses from their thirteen matches.
While the fortunes of the franchise had been declining for a few years, they would bottom out with a player exodus following the 2007 Rugby World Cup
2007 Rugby World Cup
The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. Twenty nations competed for the Webb Ellis Cup in the tournament, which was hosted by France from 7 September to 20 October. France won the hosting rights in 2003,...
. The squad's entire All Black front row of Carl Hayman
Carl Hayman
Carl Hayman is an international rugby union footballer who has played at tighthead prop for Otago at provincial level, the Highlanders in the Super 14 and the All Blacks at international level...
, Anton Oliver
Anton Oliver
Anton David Oliver is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer who most recently played professionally for the French second-division club Toulon, noted for signing veteran greats including former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and great George Gregan...
, and Clarke Dermody
Clarke Dermody
Clarke Dermody is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays as a prop. He was first selected for the All Blacks in 2006 for the test series against Ireland and Argentina ....
left for lucrative contracts in Europe, while star first-five Nick Evans moved north to Auckland to play for the Blues, and hugely talented young lock James Ryan
James Ryan (rugby player)
James Andrew Cheyne Ryan is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays lock.-Career:Ryan plays for the Highlanders in the Super 14 and for Otago in the National Provincial Championship....
was forced to retire at age 24 due to injury problems. Joining the exodus were several other veteran starters, along with coach Greg Cooper who left the franchise to take up an assistant coaching position with the Blues. The coach for the 2008 season, Glenn Moore, was appointed 28 August 2007.
Moore was left with a weak side of young and inexperienced players which would stumble to a franchise-worst record of only 3 wins against 10 losses during the 2008 Super 14 season
2008 Super 14 season
The 2008 Super 14 season started in February 2008 with pre-season matches held from mid-January. It finished on 31 May, when the Crusaders won their seventh Super Rugby title with a 20–12 victory over the Waratahs in front of the Crusaders' home fans. The 2008 season was the third of the expansion,...
, and finished as the lowest-placed New Zealand team on the table. Jimmy Cowan
Jimmy Cowan
Quinton James Cowan is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He has been an All Black since 2004 where he made his debut during the 2004 tour to the United Kingdom and France. Cowan was born in Gore and attended Gore High School...
, one of the team's few bright spots through this period, was appointed team captain for 2009, but things would improve little over the following two seasons as the team again limped to the worst record of the New Zealand clubs. When Moore was released as coach following the 2010 season, the franchise had compiled a record of only 10 wins against 29 losses in three seasons under his leadership.
Former All Black Jamie Joseph
Jamie Joseph
James Whitinui Joseph is a former All Black flanker.Joseph's All Blacks career spanned 30 matches including 20 tests from 1992 to 1995 including the 1995 World Cup....
was hired as coach for the 2011 Super Rugby season, while Jamie Mackintosh
Jamie Mackintosh
Jamie Mackintosh is a professional rugby union player who plays provincially for Southland and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, serving as team captain of both sides...
replaced Cowan as team captain. The campaign would prove to be the franchise's most successful in several years, as they raced out to a 3-0 start including a monumental away win over the Bulls in Pretoria
Pretoria
Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is...
. They remained in playoff contention for almost the entire season, sitting 8-4 at one juncture, before slumping under an injury cloud at the end of the year to finish 8th on the table.
Name and colours
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
settlers in the lower South Island
South Island
The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean...
. These Scottish settlers were the founders of Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
—known as the "Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
of the South", and the city where the Highlanders are based. According to the Highlanders official website: " The name and image of the Highlander conjures up visions of fierce independence, pride in one's roots, loyalty, strength, kinship, honesty, and hard work."
The colours of the Highlanders formerly encompassed the provincial colours of North Otago, Otago, and Southland; yellow, blue and maroon
Maroon (color)
Maroon is a dark red color.-Etymology:Maroon is derived from French marron .The first recorded use of maroon as a color name in English was in 1789.-Maroon :...
. Blue is also the predominant colour of the Flag of Scotland
Flag of Scotland
The Flag of Scotland, , also known as Saint Andrew's Cross or the Saltire, is the national flag of Scotland. As the national flag it is the Saltire, rather than the Royal Standard of Scotland, which is the correct flag for all individuals and corporate bodies to fly in order to demonstrate both...
, and is used by many sports teams in that country.
On 3 June 2011, the Highlanders introduced—controversially—a new predominantly lime green home kit. It was debuted in the Highlanders final home match of the 2011 Super Rugby season.
Despite the resounding negative feedback from fans, this kit was initially confirmed for the 2012 season. On 6 September 2011, however, the club announced a change of heart—they would be returning to their traditional blue strip for home matchs, and using the lime green kit for away matchs during the 2012 Super Rugby season.
Franchise area
Heartland Championship
The Heartland Championship New Zealand Division One competition, known for sponsorship reasons as the AA Rewards Heartland Championship, is a domestic rugby union competition in New Zealand. It was founded in 2006 as one of two successor competitions to the country's former domestic competition,...
. As a result, the majority of Highlanders players play for Otago or Southland.
Grounds
Starting with the 2012 season, the Highlanders will move into the new Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza, opened in August 2011. It was built to replace their original home of CarisbrookCarisbrook
Carisbrook was a major sporting venue in Dunedin, New Zealand. The city's main domestic and international rugby union venue, it has also been used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross. Carisbrook has also hosted a Joe Cocker concert and frequently hosted pre-game...
, which was no longer suitable for international rugby, or as a venue for the 2011 Rugby World Cup
2011 Rugby World Cup
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was the seventh Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. The International Rugby Board selected New Zealand as the host country in preference to Japan and South Africa at a meeting in Dublin on 17 November 2005...
. The Carisbrook Stadium Trust was established in 2006 to manage the planning and construction of a new stadium. The new stadium is not on the current Carisbrook site, but instead near the University of Otago
University of Otago
The University of Otago in Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest university with over 22,000 students enrolled during 2010.The university has New Zealand's highest average research quality and in New Zealand is second only to the University of Auckland in the number of A rated academic researchers it...
and Otago Harbour
Otago Harbour
Otago Harbour is the natural harbour of Dunedin, New Zealand, consisting of a long, much-indented stretch of generally navigable water separating the Otago Peninsula from the mainland. They join at its southwest end, from the harbour mouth...
. It is a roofed, all weather stadium with a rectangular configuration, and permanent seating capacity of 25,000 that could be expanded to 35,000 if necessary.
The Highlanders usually play at least one regular season match outside of Dunedin, at either Rugby Park
Rugby Park Stadium
Rugby Park Stadium is a rugby union venue and home ground for ITM Cup team Southland. Rugby Park Stadium is located on the corner of Elles Road and Tweed Street in Invercargill. It has a capacity of 20,000, although in former incarnations has accommodated up to 30,000 in the 1960s before the...
in Invercargill
Invercargill
Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of the Southland region. It lies in the heart of the wide expanse of the Southland Plains on the Oreti or New River some 18 km north of Bluff,...
or the Queenstown Events Centre
Queenstown Events Centre
Queenstown Events Centre is a multi-purpose sports stadium located in Queenstown, Otago, South Island, New Zealand.Opened in 1997, the venue is located on Queenstown Lakes District Council–owned land and is a multi-purpose indoor and outdoor venue...
in Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island. It is built around an inlet called Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin Z-shaped lake formed by glacial processes, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains....
. Prior to 2007 the regular season match was usually played at Rugby Park, however in 2007 they played a match at the Queenstown Events Centre. The Highlanders have also played pre-season matches at Centennial Park in Oamaru
Oamaru
Oamaru , the largest town in North Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, is the main town in the Waitaki District. It is 80 kilometres south of Timaru and 120 kilometres north of Dunedin, on the Pacific coast, and State Highway 1 and the railway Main South Line connects it to both...
and at the Showgrounds in Balclutha
Balclutha, New Zealand
Balclutha is a town in Otago, it lies towards the end of the Clutha River on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is about halfway between Dunedin and Invercargill on the Main South Line railway, State Highway 1 and the Southern Scenic Route...
.
On March 28, 2009, the Highlanders played a home game at FMG Stadium
Arena Manawatu
Arena Manawatu is the current name of the 180,000 square metre publicly owned recreational complex just west of the Palmerston North city centre in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand.It has three linked indoor stadiums, with movable tiered seating...
in Palmerston North
Palmerston North
Palmerston North is the main city of the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is an inland city with a population of and is the country's seventh largest city and eighth largest urban area. Palmerston North is located in the eastern Manawatu Plains near the north bank...
against the Bulls. This game attracted a crowd of 10,000; one of the Highlanders' biggest of the 2009 season.
Super 12 placings
The following table summarises all Super 12 results—excluding trial and pre-season matches:| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | BP | Points | Place | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 329 | 391 | -62 | 6 | 26 | 8th | |
| 1997 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 299 | 409 | -110 | 5 | 17 | 12th | |
| 1998 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 343 | 279 | 64 | 6 | 34 | 4th | (lost semi-final to Auckland Blues) |
| 1999 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 280 | 203 | 77 | 3 | 35 | 2nd | (lost final to Crusaders) |
| 2000 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 320 | 280 | 40 | 8 | 32 | 3rd | (lost semi-final to Crusaders) |
| 2001 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 284 | 295 | -11 | 5 | 29 | 5th | |
| 2002 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 329 | 207 | 122 | 6 | 38 | 4th | (lost semi-final to Crusaders) |
| 2003 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 287 | 246 | 41 | 5 | 29 | 7th | |
| 2004 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 299 | 347 | -48 | 8 | 26 | 9th | |
| 2005 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 221 | 214 | 7 | 1 | 27 | 8th |
Super 14 placings
The following table summarises all Super 14 results—excluding trial and pre-season matches:| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | BP | Points | Place | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 228 | 276 | -48 | 3 | 27 | 9th | |
| 2007 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 235 | 301 | -66 | 7 | 27 | 9th | |
| 2008 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 257 | 338 | -81 | 7 | 19 | 11th | |
| 2009 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 254 | 269 | -81 | 10 | 26 | 11th | |
| 2010 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 297 | 397 | -100 | 6 | 18 | 12th |
Super Rugby placings
The following table summarises all results in the Super Rugby era (2011–present)—excluding trial and pre-season matches:| Year | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | PF | PA | Diff | BP | Points | Place | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 296 | 343 | -47 | 5 | 45 | 8th |
Franchise records
In the 1998 and 1999 season the team set several franchise records that they have yet to surpass. In 1998 they scored their most ever points (374), and most ever tries (40) in a season. The following year their 65–23 win against the Bulls set several records; most points in a match, most tries in a match with nine, and largest winning margin of 42.Current first five-eighth Tony Brown holds several individual records; most points in a season for his 150 in 2000, as well as most career points with 857. His 857 career points included 144 conversions, 183 penalties, and six drop-goals. The most points in a single match is held by former fullback Ben Blair
Ben Blair
Ben Austin Blair is a rugby union footballer who plays at a full-back for the Cardiff Blues, and previously played six games for the All Blacks. On his All Blacks debut in 2001, he scored 37 points against Ireland A at Ravenhill in Belfast, however as this was not a test match he was not capped...
who scored 28 against the Sharks in 2005. Most career tries is held by former player Jeff Wilson with 35. Wilson and Blair also share the record for most tries in a single match with three along with Israel Dagg
Israel Dagg
Israel Dagg is a World Cup winning New Zealand Rugby union player who plays for the Crusaders in the Super 15 and the All Blacks. He has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team. He is of Maori descent, on his mother's side....
, Doug Howlett
Doug Howlett
Douglas Charles Howlett is a professional New Zealand rugby union player of Tongan descent. He is primarily a wing but he has also covered fullback at national and international levels. He currently plays in Ireland with Munster. He is the brother of former Tongan rugby league international Phil...
, Ryan Nicholas
Ryan Nicholas
Ryan Nicholas is a Japanese rugby union player who plays for Suntory Sungoliath of the Top League in Japan. In July 2011, he received Japanese citizenship...
, Jeremy Stanley
Jeremy Stanley
Jeremy Stanley is a former rugby union player. He was born in Otahuhu, New Zealand.He played for the All Blacks, Ponsonby and Auckland and the Hurricanes as a centre.-External links:...
, and To’o Vaega
To’o Vaega
To'o Vaega is a retired professional rugby union footballer, best known for his long career with the Samoan national team.-Career:...
.
2012 Super Rugby Squad
Nationalities are listed as recognised by the International Rugby BoardInternational Rugby Board
The International Rugby Board is the governing body for the sport of rugby union. It was founded in 1886 as the International Rugby Football Board by the unions of Scotland, Wales and Ireland. England refused to join until 1890. The International Rugby Football Board changed its name to the...
(IRB). Players may have one or more non-IRB nationalities.
| Name | Position | DOB | Nationality | Super Games (points scored) |
Province | Club Debut (year) |
| Ma'afu Fia Ma'afu Fia Ma'afu Fia is a rugby union prop who currently plays provincial rugby for Manawatu in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Prop | 22/11/1989 |  |
- | Manawatu Manawatu Rugby Union Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and... |
2012 |
| Chris King | Prop | 30/04/1981 | |
83 (30) | Southland | 2005 |
| Jamie Mackintosh Jamie Mackintosh Jamie Mackintosh is a professional rugby union player who plays provincially for Southland and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, serving as team captain of both sides...  |
Prop | 20/02/1985 | |
47 (5) | Southland | 2007 |
| Bronson Murray Bronson Murray Bronson Murray is a rugby union prop who currently plays provincial rugby for Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Prop | 06/11/1982 | |
31 (5) | Northland | 2010 |
| Andrew Hore Andrew Hore For the rugby union coach from New Zealand see Andrew Hore Andrew Hore is a rugby union player who plays for Taranaki in the ITM Cup. He has played for the All Blacks since 2002, in which time he has played 48 tests. His position is hooker... |
Hooker | 13/09/1978 | |
112 (95) | Taranaki Taranaki Rugby Union Taranaki Rugby Football Union is the governing body of Rugby in the New Zealand province of Taranaki. The main stadium is Yarrow Stadium which is in the main centre of New Plymouth. Taranaki plays in the annual ITM Cup in which it also competes for the Ranfurly shield... |
2012 |
| Jason Rutledge Jason Rutledge Jason Rutledge is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays provincial rugby for Southland, and is in the Super 14 team the Highlanders.... |
Hooker | 15/12/1977 | |
43 (40) | Southland | 2004 |
| Josh Bekhuis Josh Bekhuis Joshua Bekhuis is a professional rugby union player who plays at lock for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition and provincially for Southland in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Lock | 26/04/1985 | |
42 (10) | Southland | 2009 |
| Jarrad Hoeata Jarrad Hoeata Jarrad Hoeata is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and represents Taranaki in the ITM Cup... |
Lock | 12/12/1983 | |
21 (0) | Taranaki Taranaki Rugby Union Taranaki Rugby Football Union is the governing body of Rugby in the New Zealand province of Taranaki. The main stadium is Yarrow Stadium which is in the main centre of New Plymouth. Taranaki plays in the annual ITM Cup in which it also competes for the Ranfurly shield... |
2011 |
| Culum Retallick Culum Retallick Culum Retallick is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and represents Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Lock | 08/05/1985 | |
20 (0) | Bay of Plenty Bay of Plenty Rugby Union The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is the official governing body for rugby union in the Bay of Plenty, in the North-East of the North Island... |
2012 |
| Nick Crosswell Nick Crosswell Nick Crosswell is a professional rugby union player. He represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Manawatu in the ITM Cup, playing at flanker... |
Flanker | 03/04/1986 | |
21 (0) | Manawatu Manawatu Rugby Union Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and... |
2011 |
| John Hardie John Hardie John Hardie is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays as a flanker for the Southland Stags in the ITM Cup and Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Flanker | 27/07/1988 | |
21 (0) | Southland | 2010 |
| Adam Thomson | Flanker | 13/03/1982 | |
52 (75) | Otago | 2006 |
| Doug Tietjens Doug Tietjens Doug Tietjens is a professional rugby union player who represents the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition and Manawatu in the ITM Cup, playing at flanker.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Flanker | 07/02/1984 | |
- | Manawatu Manawatu Rugby Union Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and... |
2012 |
| James Haskell James Haskell James Haskell is an English professional Rugby Union player who currently plays for the Top League team Ricoh Black Rams in Japan and internationally for England.-Career:... |
Number 8 | 02/04/1985 |  |
- | N/A | 2012 |
| Elliot Dixon Elliot Dixon Elliot Dixon is a professional rugby union player. He represents the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition and Southland in the ITM Cup, playing at number 8.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Number 8 | 04/09/1989 | |
- | Southland | 2011 |
| Nasi Manu Nasi Manu Nasi Manu is a professional rugby union player. He represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at Flanker or number 8.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Number 8 | 15/08/1988 | |
33 (10) | Canterbury | 2010 |
| Jimmy Cowan Jimmy Cowan Quinton James Cowan is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He has been an All Black since 2004 where he made his debut during the 2004 tour to the United Kingdom and France. Cowan was born in Gore and attended Gore High School... |
Halfback | 06/03/1982 | |
94 (40) | Southland | 2003 |
| Aaron Smith Aaron Smith (rugby union) Aaron Smith is a rugby union player who plays at scrum-half for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition and for Manawatu in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Halfback | 21/11/1988 | |
12 (0) | Manawatu Manawatu Rugby Union Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and... |
2011 |
| Chris Noakes Chris Noakes Chris Noakes is a professional rugby union player who represents Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup.-Playing career:... |
Fly Half | 21/07/1985 | |
- | Bay of Plenty Bay of Plenty Rugby Union The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is the official governing body for rugby union in the Bay of Plenty, in the North-East of the North Island... |
2012 |
| Colin Slade Colin Slade Colin Slade is a rugby union footballer who represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at primarily at Fly Half, as well as all other backline positions on occasions... |
Fly Half | 10/10/1987 | |
29 (64) | Canterbury | 2011 |
| Lima Sopoaga Lima Sopoaga Lima Sopoaga is a professional rugby union player who represents Wellington in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Early Life:... |
Fly Half | 03/02/1991 | |
6 (51) | Wellington Wellington Rugby Football Union The Wellington Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the city of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand... |
2011 |
| Kendrick Lynn Kendrick Lynn Kendrick Graeme Lynn is a professional rugby union player. A versatile utility back, he plays his provincial rugby for Southland in the ITM Cup and is a member of the Highlanders Super Rugby squad.... |
Centre | 30/11/1982 | |
34 (20) | Southland | 2009 |
| Tamati Ellison Tamati Ellison Tamati Ellison is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who plays for the Ricoh Black Rams in the Japanese Top League competition. His position is utility back. He previously played for Wellington in the Air New Zealand Cup and Super Rugby for the Hurricanes... |
Centre | 04/01/1983 | |
54 (35) | Otago | 2012 |
| Shaun Treeby Shaun Treeby Shaun Treeby is a professional rugby union player. He plays his provincial rugby for Wellington in the ITM Cup and is a member of the Highlanders Super Rugby squad.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Centre | 26/01/1989 | |
12 (5) | Wellington Wellington Rugby Football Union The Wellington Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union in the city of Wellington, the capital of New Zealand... |
2011 |
| Hosea Gear Hosea Gear Hosea Gear is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays for the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition as a wing. He has played six international matches for New Zealand and scored five tries... |
Winger | 31/06/1984 | |
70 (130) | Wellington | 2012 |
| Siale Piutau Siale Piutau Siale Piutau is a rugby union centre who represents Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Winger | 13/10/1985 |  |
15 (15) | Counties Manukau Counties Manukau Rugby Union The Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union is the governing body of rugby union in the Franklin district of New Zealand. The Steelers colours are red, white, and black horizontal bands. The 'Steelers' moniker is a reference to the nearby Glenbrook steel factory... |
2011 |
| Kade Poki Kade Poki Kade Poki is a rugby union player who represents Southland in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Winger | 17/01/1988 | |
26 (30) | Tasman Tasman Rugby Union The Tasman Rugby Union is the governing body for rugby union at the top of the South Island in New Zealand. It is New Zealand's newest provincial union, founded in 2006 with the amalgamation of the existing Marlborough and Nelson Bays sub unions... |
2011 |
| Telusa Veainu Telusa Veainu Telusa Veainu is a rugby union player who currently plays for Canterbury in the ITM Cup and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition. He plays on the wings or at centre.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Winger | 26/12/1990 | |
5 (0) | Canterbury | 2011 |
| Kurt Baker Kurt Baker This article is about the rugby player. For the musician, see Kurt_Baker_.Kurt Baker is a Rugby Union player. He plays for Taranaki as a Fullback.... |
Full Back | 07/10/1988 | |
- | Taranaki Taranaki Rugby Union Taranaki Rugby Football Union is the governing body of Rugby in the New Zealand province of Taranaki. The main stadium is Yarrow Stadium which is in the main centre of New Plymouth. Taranaki plays in the annual ITM Cup in which it also competes for the Ranfurly shield... |
2011 |
| Ben Smith Ben Smith (rugby union) Ben Smith is a Rugby Union player who plays provincial rugby for Otago in the ITM Cup, and for the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition. He plays as a winger and fullback.-Provincial Rugby:... |
Full Back | 01/06/1986 | |
42 (40) | Otago | 2009 |
Internationally Capped Players
Andrew HoreAndrew Hore
For the rugby union coach from New Zealand see Andrew Hore Andrew Hore is a rugby union player who plays for Taranaki in the ITM Cup. He has played for the All Blacks since 2002, in which time he has played 48 tests. His position is hooker...
(60 caps) Jimmy Cowan
Jimmy Cowan
Quinton James Cowan is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He has been an All Black since 2004 where he made his debut during the 2004 tour to the United Kingdom and France. Cowan was born in Gore and attended Gore High School...
(51 caps) James Haskell
James Haskell
James Haskell is an English professional Rugby Union player who currently plays for the Top League team Ricoh Black Rams in Japan and internationally for England.-Career:...
(42 caps) Adam Thomson (24 caps) Colin Slade
Colin Slade
Colin Slade is a rugby union footballer who represents the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition and Canterbury in the ITM Cup, playing at primarily at Fly Half, as well as all other backline positions on occasions...
(10 caps) Hosea Gear
Hosea Gear
Hosea Gear is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays for the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition as a wing. He has played six international matches for New Zealand and scored five tries...
(7 caps) Ben Smith
Ben Smith (rugby union)
Ben Smith is a Rugby Union player who plays provincial rugby for Otago in the ITM Cup, and for the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition. He plays as a winger and fullback.-Provincial Rugby:...
(3 caps) Jarrad Hoeata
Jarrad Hoeata
Jarrad Hoeata is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and represents Taranaki in the ITM Cup...
(3 caps) Jamie Mackintosh
Jamie Mackintosh
Jamie Mackintosh is a professional rugby union player who plays provincially for Southland and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, serving as team captain of both sides...
(1 cap) Tamati Ellison
Tamati Ellison
Tamati Ellison is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who plays for the Ricoh Black Rams in the Japanese Top League competition. His position is utility back. He previously played for Wellington in the Air New Zealand Cup and Super Rugby for the Hurricanes...
(1 cap) Siale Piutau
Siale Piutau
Siale Piutau is a rugby union centre who represents Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition.-Provincial Rugby:...
(3 caps)
Out for 2012
- Alando SoakaiAlando SoakaiAlando Soakai is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League as a flanker...
(
Kubota SpearsKubota SpearsKubota Spears is a Japanese rugby union team which is based in Funabashi, Chiba and they play in the Top League.Their slogan for the 2006 season was FIGHT ON.-2011-12 Squad:...
) - Robbie RobinsonRobbie Robinson (rugby player)Robbie Robinson is a professional rugby union player who represents the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and Southland in the ITM Cup.-Playing Career:...
( Chiefs) - Tom DonnellyTom DonnellyThomas Mathew Donnelly is a rugby union player who plays for the Crusaders Super Rugby team, and provincial rugby for Otago. He has also made 15 appearances for the All Blacks since 2009.-Provincial Rugby:...
( Crusaders) - Mahonri SchwalgerMahonri SchwalgerMahonri Schwalger is a professional rugby union footballer who plays for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and for Taranaki in the ITM Cup. He is also currently the captain of the Samoan national team....
( Chiefs) - Fetu'u VainikoloFetu'u VainikoloFetu'u Moana Vainikolo is a Tongan rugby union player. Noted for his explosive ball-carrying ability, he represented the Highlanders in the Super 14 competition between 2008 and 2010...
( ConnachtConnacht RugbyConnacht Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Connacht that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 comprising teams from the Celtic nations plus Italy. Normally, it also competes in the second-tier pan-European club competition, the European Challenge Cup...
- from wider training group) - Halani AulikaHalani AulikaHalani Aulika is a Tongan rugby union prop who currently plays provincial rugby for Otago in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition.-Provincial Rugby:...
- David Te MoanaDavid Te MoanaDavid Te Moana is a rugby union player who currently plays provincial rugby for Manawatu in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Playing career:...
- Brayden MitchellBrayden MitchellBrayden Mitchell is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays as a hooker for Southland in the ITM Cup and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Provincial Rugby:...
- Joe TuineauJoe TuineauJoe Tuineau is a rugby union footballer and a former American football player. He plays as a lock for Southland in the ITM Cup and for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition. Although he was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand, he represents Tonga internationally...
- Sean RomansSean RomansSean Romans is a rugby union player who plays at scrum-half for the Highlanders in Super 14 and Otago in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:...
- Tony Brown
- Matt SaundersMatt SaundersMatt Saunders is a rugby union player for the Philippines national rugby union team. His rugby union position is at fly half and is one of the top try scorers in the Philippines along with his brother Oliver...
- James PatersonJames Paterson (rugby union)James Douglas Paterson is a native New Zealand rugby union player, although he has dual United States and New Zealand citizenship due to his mother Deanna being a US citizen.-Career:...
In for 2012
- Hosea GearHosea GearHosea Gear is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays for the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition as a wing. He has played six international matches for New Zealand and scored five tries...
( Hurricanes) - Andrew HoreAndrew HoreFor the rugby union coach from New Zealand see Andrew Hore Andrew Hore is a rugby union player who plays for Taranaki in the ITM Cup. He has played for the All Blacks since 2002, in which time he has played 48 tests. His position is hooker...
( Hurricanes) - Tamati EllisonTamati EllisonTamati Ellison is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who plays for the Ricoh Black Rams in the Japanese Top League competition. His position is utility back. He previously played for Wellington in the Air New Zealand Cup and Super Rugby for the Hurricanes...
( Ricoh Black RamsRicoh Black RamsRicoh Black Rams is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Placed 10th in the 2004-5 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it did.Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU...
) - Culum RetallickCulum RetallickCulum Retallick is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and represents Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup.-Provincial Rugby:...
( Chiefs) - Doug TietjensDoug TietjensDoug Tietjens is a professional rugby union player who represents the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition and Manawatu in the ITM Cup, playing at flanker.-Provincial Rugby:...
( ManawatuManawatu Rugby UnionManawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and...
) - Ma'afu FiaMa'afu FiaMa'afu Fia is a rugby union prop who currently plays provincial rugby for Manawatu in the ITM Cup and the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.-Provincial Rugby:...
( ManawatuManawatu Rugby UnionManawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and...
) - James HaskellJames HaskellJames Haskell is an English professional Rugby Union player who currently plays for the Top League team Ricoh Black Rams in Japan and internationally for England.-Career:...
( Ricoh Black RamsRicoh Black RamsRicoh Black Rams is a Japanese rugby union team in the Top League. Placed 10th in the 2004-5 season which meant it had to win a play-off against one of the top regional teams to stay in the league, as it did.Slogan for 2006 season: TAFU...
) - Chris NoakesChris NoakesChris Noakes is a professional rugby union player who represents Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup.-Playing career:...
( Bay of PlentyBay of Plenty Rugby UnionThe Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is the official governing body for rugby union in the Bay of Plenty, in the North-East of the North Island...
)
Notable players
Players who have played over 50 games for the Highlanders:- Josh BlackieJosh BlackieJosh Blackie is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays for the Blues and Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers in Japan...
- John BlaikieJohn BlaikieJohn Blaikie is a retired rugby union footballer.-Playing career:A hard-working, reliable lock, Blaikie attended Otago Boys' High School and quickly moved into the Otago provincial side...
- Tony Brown
- Jimmy CowanJimmy CowanQuinton James Cowan is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He has been an All Black since 2004 where he made his debut during the 2004 tour to the United Kingdom and France. Cowan was born in Gore and attended Gore High School...
- Tom DonnellyTom DonnellyThomas Mathew Donnelly is a rugby union player who plays for the Crusaders Super Rugby team, and provincial rugby for Otago. He has also made 15 appearances for the All Blacks since 2009.-Provincial Rugby:...
- Carl HaymanCarl HaymanCarl Hayman is an international rugby union footballer who has played at tighthead prop for Otago at provincial level, the Highlanders in the Super 14 and the All Blacks at international level...
- Carl HoeftCarl HoeftCarl Hoeft is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He currently plays for French club Stade Toulousain after signing from Castres Olympique in the Summer of 2011. His usual position is at prop. He was a part of the All Blacks squad at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.-External links:* *...
- Byron KelleherByron KelleherByron Terrance Kelleher is a rugby union half-back who currently plays for Stade Francais in the French Top 14 competition, and has played over 57 tests with the New Zealand All Blacks...
- Chris King
- Filipo LeviFilipo LeviFilipo Levi is a New Zealand-born Samoan rugby union footballer.-Career:InternationalLevi is a current member of the Manu Samoa 2011 Rugby World Cup squad....
- Simon MalingSimon MalingSimon Thomas Maling is a New Zealand rugby union footballer and former All Black. His usual playing position is at lock. He joined the Scarlets at the start of the 2008–09 European season, leaving Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, where he played for three years from 2005 to 2008...
- Seilala MapusuaSeilala MapusuaSeilala Mapusua is a Samoan rugby player currently playing with the Kubota Spears of the Japanese Top League...
- Kelvin Middleton
- Craig NewbyCraig NewbyCraig Newby is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He currently plays for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership....
- Anton OliverAnton OliverAnton David Oliver is a retired New Zealand rugby union footballer who most recently played professionally for the French second-division club Toulon, noted for signing veteran greats including former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and great George Gregan...
- Taine RandellTaine RandellTaine Randell is a retired New Zealand rugby union player. He was a versatile loose forward and a former All Black captain.-Summary:...
- Romi RopatiRomi RopatiRomi Ropati is a retired rugby union player best known for his time with the Highlanders Super Rugby franchise...
- Alando SoakaiAlando SoakaiAlando Soakai is a professional rugby union player who plays for the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League as a flanker...
- Adam Thomson
- Jeff WilsonJeff Wilson (sportsman)-Cricket career:Wilson played his provincial cricket for Otago, as an all-rounder - both a hard-hitting batsman and a right-arm fast-medium pace bowler. His international appearances were in four games of a One Day Internationals series against Australia in the 1992-93 season, and again in an ODI...
Coaches
In their first season the Highlanders were coached by Gordon Hunter before he joined the All BlacksAll Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
selection panel. Glen Ross took over in 1997, and was not reappointed for the 1998 season. Tony Gilbert was appointed for the 1998 season, and again coached the team in 1999 before being appointed co-coach for the All Blacks. Peter Sloane was appointed Gilbert's successor for the 2000 season, and also coached them in 2001 before moving to coach the Blues. Laurie Mains returned to New Zealand from South Africa to replace Sloane for the 2002 season. Mains resigned following the 2003 season after a rift between him and senior players. Greg Cooper replaced Mains and coached the team from 2003 until 2007, when he left the franchise to take up the assistant coaches position with the Blues. Glenn Moore coached the club from 2008 through until 2010, when he was relieved of his duties after the club posted only 10 wins against 29 losses in his 3 years in charge. His replacement is former All Black flanker Jamie Joseph
Jamie Joseph
James Whitinui Joseph is a former All Black flanker.Joseph's All Blacks career spanned 30 matches including 20 tests from 1992 to 1995 including the 1995 World Cup....
.
Players List
|
|