Highlanders continue re-signing spree with All Black Ethan de Groot

The Highlanders’ lone current All Black, Ethan de Groot, has committed his future to the club for another two seasons.

The new contract keeps the 26-year-old in the New Zealand system and therefore eligible for All Blacks selection until at least the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

This news comes just a day after the club announced long-term contract extensions for dynamic outside back duo Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, cementing three pillars of what is a bright future for the Dunedin-based team in the span of 24 hours.

A starter in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, de Groot fell down the national pecking order in 2024 as Tamaiti Williams and Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s respective form made it difficult for the 29-cap prop to get a look in after being sidelined with injury.

The Southland product will have a chance to reclaim favour over the coming seasons as he helps lead a new generation of Highlanders talent back into Super Rugby Pacific contention. Head coach Jamie Joseph is at the helm of the club’s rebuild, and said it was a huge win for the team to re-sign de Groot.

“Ethan is the kind of player every team wants – tough and deeply committed to the jersey. He’s grown enormously during his time with the Highlanders, and we’re excited about what he’ll continue to bring as a leader and competitor,” Joseph said.

For the prop, there’s no place like home.

“This part of the world is my home, I can see as a team we are building something worthwhile here, and it’s something I definitely want to help lead and support over the next few seasons,” de Groot explained.

Chris Lendrum, General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance said:

With the first All Blacks squad naming of 2025 under a month away now and the Highlanders’ season coming to an end this weekend, de Groot will be hoping his form during the round-robin stages will be enough to earn him another crack at the black jersey.

New Zealand Rugby were glad to have the 63-cap Highlander locked in for the coming seasons.

“We’re thrilled to have Ethan recommit through to the end of the Rugby World Cup and continue the loyalty he’s shown to Southland, the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby. He has more to give the game, and we are excited he’s chosen to do it here.”