Highlanders sign 18-year-old nephew of All Blacks great Mils Muliaina

The Highlanders have announced the signing of emerging Southland star Mika Muliaina on a deal beginning in 2027.

The 18-year-old took every opportunity to impress in 2025, making a name for himself with the Highlanders in the Super Rugby U20s tournament, before continuing that form and growth for Southland in the NPC, and eventually profiting from a National Development Contract that has him training with the Highlanders group for the 2026 season.

Having impressed Highlanders Director of Rugby Jamie Joseph in the early stages of 2026 preseason, Muliaina’s efforts have now been rewarded with a three-year deal in Dunedin.

Asked this week which players have left an impression during the early weeks of preseason, Joseph named Muliaina alongside U20 stars Dylan Pledger and Stanley Solomon.

Highlanders assistant coach Kane Jury expanded on that praise as the signing was made official.

“Mika is a rare talent,” he said. “For someone so young to show such maturity in a pivotal position like first five, you immediately sense how high his ceiling is.

“When you consider he has already won a national schools title with Southland Boys’, been in the NZU20s selection frame, represented NZ Universities in Japan, debuted for the Southland Stags, has the chance to push for an U20 World Cup in 2026, and now signs a professional contract – all by 18 – it’s incredibly impressive.”

Muliaina’s contract coincides with the arrival of All Blacks XV playmaker Josh Jacomb, who is set to move south after three seasons of mentorship under Damian McKenzie and the Chiefs following the coming season. He’ll also have rising Otago star Cameron Millar to contend with for minutes, in what is a Highlanders squad packed to the brim with young talent.

For the teenager, the chance to represent his home region in Super Rugby Pacific is something special.

“I’m proud to be joining the Highlanders in 2027. There’s something special about the South — the people, the passion, the history. I’m excited to get stuck in, firstly as an NDC this year and then as a full?time professional in 2027.”