Those plans have just been fast-tracked.
The 20-year-old Otago and Taieri first five was set to join the Highlanders on a fulltime deal in 2024 but he has developed so quickly that new coach Clarke Dermody has whistled him into the squad for next year.
"I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a real young fella growing up in Gore," the fresh-faced Millar said yesterday.
"It’s been my dream for a while to pull on a Highlanders jersey, and to do it next year will be pretty cool.
"I was a wee bit surprised because I was all locked in for 2024, so to get the call from Derms to come in for next year was sort of pretty quick.
"I’m excited and looking forward to working with a great group of guys."
Millar was with his parents when he got the call.
"They were pretty stoked, but I just tried to stay calm."
He was quickly on the phone to his flatmate, lock Fabian Holland, who has also gained his first Super Rugby contract with the Highlanders
The pair are flatting in Dunedin next year with fellow rugby players Finn Hurley, Jake Te Hiwi, Oliver Haig and Hayden Michaels.
Millar was around the Highlanders as a development player this year then one of seven from the region’s golden generation to play for the New Zealand under-20 team.
He grew up idolising All Blacks great Dan Carter but was also a big fan of Highlanders first fives Lima Sopoaga and Hayden Parker.
There must have been something in the water in Gore as Millar, Hurley and Michaels all came through the ranks in the Southland town.
"It’s pretty cool for a small town like Gore.
"There’s a wee buzz in the community. Everyone has taken notice of the rugby boys."
Millar started the NPC season behind Josh Ioane but finished it as the undisputed starter for Otago.
He said he grew in confidence and learned rapidly from being able to play every week, but he is eager to keep working hard to get better and show he can play at Super Rugby level, and not just as a superb kicker.
"I want to keep on growing my running game," Millar said.
"It’s something I probably haven’t been able to show that much, but if I can add that to part of my game, it will lead to more threats on the field and create more opportunities."
Millar has been around experienced Highlanders first fives Mitch Hunt and Marty Banks a little, and is excited at the prospect of learning from the two players.
