Highlanders lose seven players in offseason clear-out as rising fly-half Cam Millar departs

The Highlanders have confirmed seven offseason departures, with fly-half Cam Millar headlining a group that also includes backs Jonah Lowe and Tanielu Tele’a and four forwards.

Millar, 24, had steadily established himself as the club’s first-choice No.10 over four seasons since coming through the local ranks at Otago Boys’ High School, starting 24 of his 34 appearances. His exit had been anticipated after the Highlanders moved to secure his replacement, signing Tonga and Moana Pasifika playmaker Patrick Pellegrini earlier this month and locking in Chiefs and All Blacks XV game-driver Josh Jacomb on a two-year deal from 2027. Millar had reportedly attracted interest from the Blues following Stephen Perofeta’s move to Japan.

Among the forwards departing, Oliver Haig — an All Blacks XV member in 2024 — leaves having shifted from the back row to the second row during the recent campaign to cover for injured lock Fabian Holland. Prop Sefo Kautai, who spent his ninth and tenth Super Rugby seasons in Dunedin after stints with the Chiefs and Brumbies, has signed a one-year deal with the Waratahs. Soane Vikena departs after two seasons following four years with the Blues, while Rohan Wingham made just nine appearances across three seasons before his exit.

In the backs, Lowe arrived from the Chiefs in 2023 and enjoyed his most productive season in his debut year at the club, before losing his wing berth and reinventing himself at centre late in his time there. Tele’a, who broke into the Blues as a winger in 2019, moved south in 2024 and carved out a midfield role alongside Sam Gilbert before Timoci Tavatavanawai’s shift to No.12 reduced his opportunities.

Despite the seven exits, the Highlanders’ recruitment activity has far outpaced their losses. The club has announced 16 contracts in recent months, with players including Tomás Lavanini, Angus Ta’avao, and Patrick Pellegrini among those committed through to at least 2027. Further additions are expected before the NPC season begins at the end of the month.