Rugby: Highlanders squad for 2014 named

Ben Smith has been named as a Highlanders co-captain.

Coach Jamie Joseph says he is pleased with the depth and balance in the Highlanders squad for 2014.

Ben Smith and Nasi Manu will lead the team as co-captains.

The squad, announced this morning, is made up of 32 players on full contract and also five players in the wider training group.

Twenty three players are returning from the 2013 season.

Kurt Baker returns to the Highlanders after a season with the Crusaders, and he is joined in the backs by Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland), Patrick Osborne (Canterbury), Bay of Plenty captain Willie Ripia, and Winston Stanley (Force).

In the forwards Tasman captain Shane Christie joins the southern franchise, alongside Pumas International Matias Diaz, Kane Hames (Bay of Plenty) and Otago players Tom Franklin and Gareth Evans.

The wider training group includes two Otago players in Lee Allan and Craig Miller, and also Richard Buckman (Hawke's Bay), Trent Renata (Waikato) and Ged Robinson (Hawke's Bay).

Joseph said the squad is well balanced and has depth across the board.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and assistant coach Tony Brown address the media. Photo by Craig Baxter

"We're very pleased with the quality of players in our squad of 37 for next season. We have a core group of players returning from 2013, which allows continuity, but to have 14 new faces brings new ideas and enthusiasm."

Joseph also added that selecting Ben and Nasi was reflective of the approach the team would be taking to the 2014 Super Rugby season.

"As a coaching group, we've selected two players we know will lead from the front and who have the experience and respect of the whole squad."

The Highlanders begin their season with a home match at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday 22 February against the Blues.

Forwards

Josh Bekhuis, Shane Christie, Liam Coltman, Matias Diaz, Elliot Dixon, Gareth Evans, Ma'afu Fia, Tom Franklin, Kane Hames, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, TJ Ioane, Chris King, Nasi Manu, Brayden Mitchell, Brad Thorn, Joe Wheeler.

Backs

Kurt Baker, Phil Burleigh, Jason Emery, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii, Willie Ripia, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Winston Stanley, Fumiaki Tanaka, Shaun Treeby, Frae Wilson.