Highlanders

The Highlanders are the southernmost Super Rugby Pacific franchise, based in Dunedin and representing the Otago, Southland, and North Otago rugby unions. Despite drawing from one of the smallest population bases in the competition, the Highlanders have punched above their weight throughout Super Rugby’s history, winning one title and consistently producing talented players for the All Blacks.

Club History

The Highlanders were founding members of Super Rugby in 1996 and have been defined by their underdog spirit and the fierce loyalty of their supporters. The franchise’s finest moment came in 2015, when they won their first and only Super Rugby title under coach Jamie Joseph, defeating the Hurricanes in the final in Wellington. That team featured the talents of Lima Sopoaga, Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, and Malakai Fekitoa, and their victory was celebrated as one of the great triumphs of the underdog in rugby history.

The Highlanders have consistently produced quality players despite the challenges of their location. All Blacks such as Jeff Wilson, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, and more recently Aaron Smith have worn the navy and gold with distinction. The team’s unique identity, rooted in the Scottish heritage of Otago and Southland, gives the franchise a distinctive character within New Zealand rugby.

Recent Form

The Highlanders have experienced competitive challenges in recent seasons, with the depth of Super Rugby Pacific making it difficult for the smaller franchises to sustain consistent form. Under coach Clarke Dermody, the focus has been on developing young players and building a squad that can compete physically with the larger-market teams. The emergence of players like Folau Fakatava at scrumhalf and Ethan de Groot at prop has provided the Highlanders with genuine star quality. Playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium remains one of the unique home advantages in Super Rugby.

Key Players

Folau Fakatava (Scrumhalf) - A dynamic halfback whose pace off the mark, passing range, and attacking instincts have earned him All Blacks recognition.

Ethan de Groot (Prop) - A powerful loosehead prop whose scrummaging dominance and work around the field have made him one of the most feared front-rowers in Super Rugby and a regular All Black.

Home Ground

Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin is one of the most distinctive venues in world rugby. The fully enclosed, roofed stadium has a capacity of 30,748 and provides a unique playing environment. The natural turf pitch under the translucent roof creates perfect playing conditions regardless of Dunedin’s unpredictable weather, and the enclosed atmosphere amplifies crowd noise to create one of the most intimidating environments in Super Rugby. The stadium, opened in 2011, is a source of immense pride for the Otago region.

Honours

• 2015 — Super Rugby champions, defeating Hurricanes