Highlanders lock in Pledger, Tengblad and Lavanini as re-signing spree reaches eight

The Highlanders have secured eight players for their 2027 campaign after confirming three further contract extensions, headlined by a three-year deal for highly rated halfback Dylan Pledger and a one-year renewal for 91-Test Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini.

Pledger, 21, is yet to make his Highlanders debut after suffering an ACL tear in pre-season, but the club has backed him as a long-term cornerstone through until 2029. The halfback caught the eye during two New Zealand U20 campaigns and an impressive debut season for Otago in the 2025 NPC, establishing himself as one of the most talked-about prospects in New Zealand rugby.

His former U20 teammate Josh Tengblad has also been retained on a two-year deal. The 202 cm, 115 kg lock missed the 2026 season with a knee injury but was part of the Highlanders’ wider training group this year, with a place in the official squad pencilled in for 2027. At 21, Tengblad will have the benefit of working alongside Lavanini as he develops at Super Rugby level.

Lavanini’s renewal completes the trio of announcements. The experienced Pumas enforcer had a disrupted debut season in Dunedin, appearing in just six of 14 matches, but the club has opted to retain him for another year. His presence gives the Highlanders a seasoned international voice in the lock position as the younger members of the squad continue to develop.

The three extensions follow five re-signings announced the previous week, underlining the Highlanders’ intent to build continuity and depth ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby season.