All Blacks’ breakout star to miss entire Super Rugby Pacific season in massive blow
Fabian Holland in action for the All Blacks (inset) and the Highlanders.
The Highlanders have suffered a massive setback on the eve of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign after it was confirmed that Fabian Holland has been sidelined for the entire season.
Ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Crusaders in Dunedin on Friday, the Highlanders revealed that the 23-year-old will be ruled out after sustaining a shoulder injury during a pre-season match against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown last week.
“Fabian Holland has been ruled out of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after dislocating his shoulder during the pre-season match in Queenstown,” read a statement on the Highlanders‘ official Facebook page.
Set to return to action in August
“He will have surgery next week and is expected to return in time to be available for selection for the All Blacks tour in August.”
The injury to Holland, who was named as World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2025, is also a massive blow for the All Blacks who will be without his services for their three July Nations Championship matches in New Zealand against France, Italy and Ireland.
With Holland ruled out, Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has named Mitch Dunshea and Oliver Haig as the starting locks for Friday’s New Zealand derby with the Crusaders.
Meanwhile, All Blacks tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao is set to make his debut for the Highlanders and packs down in the front-row alongside fellow international Ethan de Groot and Jack Taylor, who will start at loosehead prop and hooker respectively.
The rest of the pack sees co-captain Sean Withy and Te Kamaka Howden starting on the flanks while Lucas Casey will also make his Highlanders debut at number eight.
In the backline, it will be a memorable occasion for co-captain and starting inside centre Timoci Tavatavanawai, who is making his 50th appearance for the Highlanders and he is joined in midfield by Jonah Lowe, who will wear the number 13 jersey.
Tavatavanawai is looking forward to his milestone match for the men from Dunedin.
“It will be awesome to be back under the roof on Friday night. Our fans will make it a great night and I know the players will want to get the season off on the right foot,” he said.
The rest of the backline has a settled look to it with Folau Fakatava and Cameron Millar named as the starting halfbacks while last season’s breakout speedster, Caleb Tangitau, lines up on the right wing alongside the experienced Jona Nareki (left wing) and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (full-back) in an exciting back three.
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Crusaders, who are Super Rugby Pacific’s defending champions.
“Our supporters know this fixture means a lot, and the boys have prepared with that in mind. The guys have connected well during pre- season, working hard for each other, they’re clear on how we want to play, and they’re hungry to get the competition underway,” he said.
“The Crusaders always set a high standard, but we’re excited about the challenge. It’s a group that represents the south with pride, and we’re ready to get stuck in.”
Highlanders team to face the Crusaders
Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy (cc), 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a
Date: Friday, February 13
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:05 local (06:05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: George Myers (Australia), Matt Kellahan (Australia)
TMO: Graham Cooper (Australia)
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