Northern | US

Highlanders sign Moana Pasifika No.10 Patrick Pellegrini

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 28: Patrick Pellegrini of Moana Pasifika during the round three Super Rugby Pacific match between Moana Pasifika and Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium, on February 28, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Comments
6 Comments

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

VIDEO

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.”

RugbyPass App Download

News, stats, live rugby and more! Download the new RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!


Whether you’re looking for somewhere to track upcoming fixtures, a place to watch live rugby or an app that shows you all of the latest news and analysis, the RugbyPass rugby app is perfect.

Get the RugbyPass App 📱

Follow the biggest matches with live scores, line-ups, news and analysis, all in the RugbyPass App.

Download Here
On Apple IOS, Android, and Tablet.
ADVERTISEMENT
Play Video
LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

6 Comments
J
JW 13 hours ago

Stooked, will be interesting to see what a class 10 can do at the Landers.


He was a bit bouncy this year, some great stuff, some solid, but also a bit out of funk at times, which could be his side. He couldn’t quite keep his consistency in his breakthrough year either, so hope here he’s still getting used to the level and having a like for like competent 10 to share minutes with has them both firing 100%


No news on Leota or Miracle? Those are the two real big stars imo.

B
Bazzallina 56 mins ago

Add Semesi to that list I reckon and Vaihu was another who always impressed but guess he might find a spot in Oz

O
Otagoman II 14 hours ago

It’s a good pick up and it seems to confirm Millar’s departure.

A
Andrew Nichols 14 hours ago

Chiefs should snap up Cam Millar now. Might be just what he needs to progress.

J
JW 13 hours ago

Don’t think the changes are happening that way round.

O
Otagoman II 14 hours ago

I think the Blues have got there first.

Load More Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Long Reads

Comments on RugbyPass

Close Panel
Close Panel

Edition & Time Zone

{{current.name}}
Set time zone automatically
{{selectedTimezoneTitle}} (auto)
Choose a different time zone
Close Panel

Editions

Close Panel

Change Time Zone

Close
ADVERTISEMENT
Copied to clipboard

Share Article close