Fan favourite Marty Banks back at Highlanders

Planet Rugby

The Highlanders have moved swiftly to replace the outgoing Josh Ioane as Marty Banks returns to the club ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Banks, who has played in Russia, Italy and Japan during a well travelled career, is set to once again turn out for the southern New Zealand franchise.

A firm fan favourite, he famously knocked over the match-winning points to lead the Highlanders to victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2017.

Solid goal-kicker

The reliable goal-kicker was also part of the team that won the Super Rugby title in 2015 with his current form for Southland Stags catching the eye.

“With Josh departing we were looking for an experienced player in addition to Mitch Hunt who could kick goals and lead us around the park,” said Highlanders head coach Tony Brown.

“We of course, were well aware of Marty’s abilities and his early round Bunnings Cup performances demonstrated that he still has the ability to perform the key pivot role.”

Banks himself is looking forward to his return, saying he is eager to make a “real contribution” to the squad in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

“I returned from Japan with the hope that maybe I could pick up a Super Rugby contract and I am stoked that Brownie still has faith in me to do the job,” he said.

“I believe I am at a pretty good stage in my career, I know my own game well and hopefully, I have enough experience to be able to make a real contribution to the way the Highlanders play and the squad in general.

“I can’t wait to get back under the roof in Dunedin, I’ve always enjoyed the place and the fans, so roll on 2022.”