Buckman gets Highlanders reward

 

The big wing has been confirmed as the replacement squad member for Buxton Popoalii – who is having heart surgery later this month.

 

Buckman was in the Highlanders wider training group, but his promotion comes as a reward for his efforts in his eye-catching debut for the Dunedin-based side during which he made try saving tackles and showed explosiveness on attack.

  

He has played for Hawke’s Bay in the ITM Cup and was a member of the Hurricanes squad in the past, making his Super Rugby debut against the Lions in 2011. 

 

The Highlanders will play the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night with the team set to be announced on Thursday. 

 

Lock Brad Thorn is out for four weeks with a rib injury and wing Patrick Osborne has been sidelined with an ankle injury and is unavailable for one week.