Ainsley returns to Highlanders on two-year deal after two seasons in Top 14

Jermaine Ainsley is heading back to Dunedin after the Highlanders confirmed the signing of the three-Test Wallaby tighthead on a two-year deal. The 30-year-old spent the past two seasons with Lyon in the Top 14, starting 26 of his 36 appearances for the French club before agreeing to return to Super Rugby.

Ainsley made 38 appearances for the Highlanders in his first stint with the club between 2022 and 2024, and head coach Jamie Joseph wasted little time in welcoming him back. “Having Jermaine back is a major boost,” Joseph said. “He’s a competitor, he’s durable, and he’s played a lot of high-level rugby. He’ll add leadership to our pack and help drive the standards we’re setting for 2027 and beyond.”

The prop’s rugby career spans both hemispheres. He came through the Australian system with the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels between 2016 and 2020, earning three Wallabies caps in 2018 — a bench appearance against the All Blacks at tighthead, followed by two further outings off the pine against England and Italy at loosehead. He also represented the Maori All Blacks during his earlier time in New Zealand.

Ainsley has additionally signed with Canterbury and will feature for the defending NPC champions in the coming domestic campaign before linking up with the Highlanders for the 2027 Super Rugby season.

“My family and I are excited to be joining the Highlanders,” Ainsley said. “I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to play in New Zealand again, let alone for the Highlanders, so I’m really looking forward to this next chapter. I can’t wait to rip in with the team next season. It looks like a pretty strong squad that’s been growing over the last few seasons.”

The signing is the latest in a sustained recruitment drive at the Highlanders since Joseph returned from his tenure with Japan’s Brave Blossoms. The club has been among the most active in Super Rugby, recently tying down a string of players to long-term contracts, including Lucas Casey and Dylan Pledger through to 2029, and lock Tomás Lavanini through to 2027.