Highlanders dealt blow as Dylan Pledger sidelined by long-term injury

Highlanders scrum-half Dylan Pledger has been ruled out of the entire 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after suffering a serious knee injury at training. This setback will see the highly-rated prospect spend up to 12 months on the sidelines.

Pledger is considered a star on the rise within New Zealand Rugby, having served as vice-captain of the national U20s side before graduating into senior rugby with Otago in the National Provincial Championship.

The lively halfback turned heads during his rookie NPC campaign in 2025, as Otago claimed the Ranfurly Shield and later booked their ticket to the big dance in Christchurch. Pledger scored eight tries in 11 matches, which included 10 appearances in the run-on side.

All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph was asked about the omission of Pledger after naming a strong squad in October for a three-game Northern Tour. Pledger had been earmarked by many as an All Black-in-waiting, with fans excited to see the No. 9 get a chance at Super Rugby level in 2026.

 

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But supporters will have to wait a while to see Pledger debut for the Highlanders, with the club confirming on Monday the 20-year-old will miss the upcoming season. Pledger has sustained an ACL rupture and will undergo a lengthy rehabilitation period after the surgery.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to get a season-ending injury – as I was very excited about my first full season as a professional,” Pledger said in a statement.

“I guess I have learned early that part of being a professional rugby player is dealing with injury.

“My energy now will be put into rehabbing as best I can so I can come back in the best possible shape. I will be able to focus a bit more on my study too.”

Pledger starred for the New Zealand U20s last July, as they booked their place in the World Rugby U20 Championship Final in Italy. The New Zealanders were beaten 15-23 by South Africa U20 in the decider at Stadio Comunale Mario Battaglini.

The next month, Pledger was named to come off the pine when Otago faced Hawke’s Bay in the second round of the NPC season. Western Force-bound Nathan Hastie was given the first chance to start, linking up with Cameron Millar in the halves.

Pledger started Otago’s next match away to the Wellington Lions and never looked back, wearing the No. 9 jersey in 10 consecutive appearances. The halfback scored a double in a win over Waikato in the quarters and crossed for another in the semi-final triumph over Bay of Plenty.

While some fans wanted to see Pledger named in either the All Blacks or All Blacks XV squads late last year, the rising star’s next task was set to be Super Rugby. With this injury, capped All Black Folau Fakatava and Adam Lennox are the two fit halfbacks in the Highlanders squad.