Another fresh-faced rookie has joined the squad and they have also confirmed four youngsters on development contracts.
Otago loose forward Will Stodart has been brought into the Highlanders as a replacement player.
The aggressive flanker, who can also cover lock, turned 20 only in October but has already made his NPC debut — and represented New Zealand at the world junior championship — and looked every inch a future professional.
Stodart is effectively cover for two much more experienced Highlanders forwards who will not be fit to start the season.
New recruit Mitch Dunshea is set to miss most of the 2024 campaign after having Achilles surgery, while fellow lock Will Tucker battles a foot problem.
Stodart’s inexperience and lack of genuine height means there will be some pressure on the established Pari Pari Parkinson and the still-young Fabian Holland to lock down the second row with cover from Max Hicks, Hugh Renton and Oliver Haig.
It continues the Highlanders’ bid to both elevate local talent and develop a young squad following the departures of both star and seasoned campaigners.
The Highlanders have named four players to national development contracts.
The New Zealand Rugby initiative, which has been in place for three years and has already promoted the likes of Holland, Cameron Millar and Jack Taylor into full Highlanders contracts, allows the players to train fulltime with a Super Rugby squad during the preseason before settling into part-time programmes for the rest of the year.
Strapping midfielder Josh Whaanga is the most prominent of the development players.
The John McGlashan College product followed a senior club season with Taieri by playing every NPC game for Otago and being named back of the year.
Another locally educated prospect is Kaikorai prop Moana Takataka.
The former Otago Boys’ High School tighthead has both the strength and the mobility required of a bookend in the modern game.
Fellow front-rower A-One Lolofie joined Zingari-Richmond after coming south from Hastings Boys’ High School.
The hooker missed most of this season with injury but was able to attend — and impress at — the New Zealand under-19 camp.
Last but not least is the giant Reuben Palmer.
The Dunedin lock, the former Tauranga Boys’ College captain, shone in club rugby, where his 197cm and 129kg frame more than made up for his inexperience.
"These players have been rewarded for their performances throughout the season and have worked extremely hard off the field to receive a national development contract," Highlanders talent development manager Kane Jury said.
"Their talent has been simmering away for some time without national recognition and at the recent New Zealand under-19 camp their character, effort and performance could not go unnoticed.
“This is another opportunity the players need to take with both hands to learn from the best management crew and players in our region.
"It is also great recognition for the clubs and provincial unions for the time and energy they have put into them."
The Highlanders have also added Otago prop Rohan Wingham and Southland halfback Connor McLeod to their wider training group.
