Blues outside back Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Crusaders lock Mitch Dunshea and loose forward Tom Sanders have inked two-year deals.
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will bring some much-needed X-factor to a backline which has lacked zip.
The 21-year-old got lost in the crush at the Blues and has opted to move south for more opportunities.
"For me it’s exciting to join such a proud club who I believe have an exciting future," Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens said.
"They appear to have a great mix of youth and experience down there and I’m keen to add what I’ve learned from my time with the Blues to the group in Dunedin."
The former New Zealand secondary schools representative (2018 and 2019) had a brief stint with the Paramatta Eels in the NRL and also spent time with the All Blacks Sevens in 2021.
He debuted in 2020 for Taranaki during the NPC and has racked up 11 tries in 40 games. He was recruited to the Blues in 2021, but struggled for game time during his three seasons there.
He is a robust, hardworking No 8 and will help fill the gap left by the departure of Marino Mikaele-Tu’u.
Sanders will bring some experience to the back row, which includes youngsters Ollie Haig, Hayden Michaels and Nikora Broughton.
"I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the Highlanders and ripping into another Super Rugby campaign," Sanders said.
"I hope I can put my mark on the jersey and help the team compete for titles."
Dunshea has battled with injury and battled for game time at the Crusaders with the presence of All Black locks Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock.
Despite the setbacks, he was called into the All Blacks as injury replacement in 2020 but did not take the field.
"I’m absolutely looking forward to the opportunity to head south and tear into it with the Landers. It appears to be an exciting time to be involved with a good blend of new and experienced players in the squad. Personally, I just can’t wait to get stuck into some footy".
"We have farewelled quite a few players from this season’s squad and ushered in a number of our younger players.
"It’s good to get some balance with some experienced professionals like Tom and Mitch," he said.
"They very much fit the profile of the type of forwards we are looking for, with an uncompromising attitude and good work rate.
"Jacob, while still quite young, has been in a good environment for a few seasons now and there has been some genuine speed and excitement shown in his performances."
