Highlanders sign Moana Pasifika No.10 Patrick Pellegrini

The Highlanders have won the race for Tonga’s star No.10 Patrick Pellegrini, signing the playmaker on a two-year deal.

Pellegrini, 27, had his time with Moana Pasifika cut short when the club’s departure from Super Rugby Pacific was confirmed on June 24, and immediately emerged as one of the big free agents on the market.

The Highlanders had already recruited All Blacks XV starter Josh Jacomb for the 2027 campaign to compete with rising talent Cam Millar for minutes in Dunedin, and clearly wasted no time in approaching Pellegrini.

One of the most accurate marksmen throughout his two seasons in Super Rugby Pacific, the former Coventry game-driver joins the Highlanders having started 11 of 17 Tests for Tonga, with three bench appearances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

With the signing, Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph continues the aggressive recruitment drive that began when he returned from Japan to take up what was initially a Director of Rugby role at the club, before he transitioned to head coach ahead of the 2025 season.

“Patrick is a smart, composed No.10 who has proven himself in some of the toughest club competitions in the world,” Joseph said. “He’s grown his game significantly over the past few seasons and shown he can perform at the international level. We believe he’ll thrive in our environment and add real value to the group.”

Pellegrini, who was reportedly fielding interest from Super Rugby clubs on both sides of the Tasman as well as clubs in Europe and Japan, said he was excited to join a building Highlanders squad.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Highlanders and taking on this new challenge and different challenge,” he said. “It’s a real privilege to sign for such a great club, and I can’t wait to get to work with the boys, meet the fans and make a contribution to the club’s future success.”