Highlanders add former All Black Angus Ta'avao for 2026 season

The youthful Highlanders have landed some veteran leadership in the form of 23-cap former All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao.

An impact player at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Ta’avao will represent his fourth Super Rugby club in 2026 after two seasons with the Blues, where he started his Super Rugby journey. Stints at the Waratahs and Chiefs have seen the Aucklander rack up 144 Super Rugby appearances.

That experience will be invaluable to a side whose scrum struggled in the 2025 season, particularly late in games.

Masterminding the Dunedin-based club’s return to its former glory is none other than the man who led the Highlanders to their first Super Rugby title, Jamie Joseph.

While the former Brave Blossoms boss has recruited a handful of emerging stars like Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, and Caleb Tangitau in the backs, he’s also snagged emerging forwards in Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, and Soane Vikena on the forward pack.

The active recruitment has complemented the local talent coming through the ranks, and now those forwards will have another veteran to lean on throughout the 2026 campaign.

“Building depth across the park is critical for a successful campaign,” Joseph explained. “Angus brings a wealth of experience to our forward pack. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated resilience and character, which make him an ideal fit for our culture and ambitions. We’re excited to welcome him to Dunedin.”

Ta’avao, currently juggling his rugby career and a move into punditry with Sky Sports, was pleased to make the move south.

“I’m excited to join the Highlanders in 2026,” he said. “ I look forward to adding my flavour, embracing the culture, and contributing to the team’s success.”