1
Will Jordan: 'There's been a switch flipped' in All Blacks camp for first Boks Test
3
{{item.n}}
Caleb Tangitau and Ethan de Groot lead way at Highlanders season awards
Comment
Share 
Ethan de Groot and Caleb Tangitau have emerged as the big winners from the Highlanders’ 2026 awards night, which was held this week ahead of their final game of the round-robin.
It was De Groot who was presented with the MVP award for his most impressive Super Rugby Pacific campaign yet. The 27-year-old All Black took on co-captaincy responsibilities this season and was at the forefront of a much-improved Highlanders scrum, alongside club newcomer Angus Ta’avao, who won the Southern Inspiration Award.
De Groot’s big night didn’t end there, though, as he also claimed the Highlander Man award, which is presented to the player who best embodies the club’s values. It was the second time the prop has won the award, after first being recognised for it in 2024.
VIDEO
Caleb Tangitau attended the event in a moon boot, having returned to the club after a few days with family in Auckland after his season was cut short by a ruptured Achilles. The winger won three awards: Speight’s Players’ Player, SBS Fan Player of the Year, and Back of the Year.
Also ending the night with multiple awards was TK Howden, who took home Forward of the Year and Defender of the Year. The blindside flanker currently leads the competition’s total tackle count by 26 completions.
One of New Zealand’s rising stars, Lucas Casey, took home Rookie of the Year, while fellow openside flanker Sean Withy took home the Player Personal Development Award. Another one to watch for the future is Mika Muliaina, who was awarded Highlanders Region U20s Player of the Year.
Former All Blacks Sevens playmaker Andrew Knewstubb landed the Highlanders Community Champ award to round out the evening.
2026 Highlanders season awards winners
Lone Star Highlanders Community Champ: Andrew Knewstubb
Player Personal Development Award: Sean Withy
Forward of the Year: Te Kamaka Howden
Back of the Year: Caleb Tangitau
Defender of the Year: Te Kamaka Howden
Speight’s Players’ Player: Caleb Tangitau
University of Otago Highlanders Region U20s Player of the Year: Mika Muliana
Southern Inspiration Award: Angus Ta’avao
SBS Fan Player of the Year: Caleb Tangitau
Rookie of the Year: Lucas Casey
Pulse Energy MVP: Ethan de Groot
Highlander Man: Ethan de Groot
Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device.
From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.
