Highlanders confirm players for 2019

They include All Blacks Waisake Naholo and Liam Squire.

Naholo arrived from the Blues in 2015 and played a big part in securing the Highlanders first championship and was also part of the World Cup winning All Blacks in that year. A crowd favourite he has scored 36 tries for the Highlanders with his strength and electrifying pace. 

The wing said he is looking forward to another season with the Highlanders.

"Dunedin and the Highlanders have been good for me, my career really started when I came here. I love playing for this team especially at home under the roof. I have had plenty of great times and I am keen to continue next season," he said.

Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said: "We have been working for some time to confirm our squad for next year and we are delighted that so many of our experienced players have chosen to commit to us again for 2019. We appreciate good players will always have options so their commitment to the Highlanders enables us to look toward next season with some certainty."

Head Coach Aaron Mauger was also pleased to be re-signing players well before next season begins.

"Building and maintaining a competitive Super Rugby squad is a challenging process and requires a great deal of planning to get the right balance. All the guys we are re-signing now are central to our future and are quality men and players, it's great to have them on board for 2019," said Mauger.

The full list of those who have re-signed for 2019 is: Waisake Naholo, Liam Squire, Rob Thompson, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Siate Tokolahi.