Highlanders Add Kumeroa to 2027 Squad

The Highlanders have named Benet Kumeroa as their sole new signing for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 26-year-old tighthead prop from Bay of Plenty will join the squad ahead of a campaign that opens in February.

Coach Jamie Joseph released the full list of players on Wednesday. Kumeroa is the only addition to a roster that Joseph described as stable. The prop previously played 40 matches for the Steamers and eight for the Chiefs. He also represented the Māori All Blacks and the All Blacks XV. Before rugby, Kumeroa competed as a weightlifting representative for New Zealand.

The squad retains a core group of experienced players while integrating younger talent. All Blacks flanker Shannon Frizell returns to the franchise after spending three years in Japan. First five Josh Jacomb, previously with the Crusaders and Waratahs, is also on the list. Hooker Ioane Moananu, lock Josh Tengblad, and winger Tuna Tuitama join the group as new contracts are finalized.

Injuries will shape the early season lineup. Prop Jermaine Ainsley is listed as injured following a shoulder issue sustained during the NPC. He is expected to miss most of the season. Southland lock Jack Sexton has been added to the roster to cover for Ainsley. Fabian Holland, who missed the 2026 season after shoulder surgery, is included in the squad list.

Joseph emphasized that the team is not rebuilding from scratch. He stated that retaining young players who have already seen Super Rugby action allows the club to add quality around them. The coach noted that this mix creates competition for spots. He specifically pointed to the halfback position, where Dylan Pledger competes with Folau Fakatava and Adam Lennox. Pledger missed his entire rookie season last year due to injury but is ready for his debut.

The roster includes 29 named players. The Highlanders plan to name up to 12 additional players in a wider training group on Thursday. This is an increase from the nine players listed in that category last year. The team will assemble on November 26. Their first match is against the Drua in Fiji on February 13.

Joseph said the presence of test-level players like Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai helps elevate the group. He added that having healthy veterans available adds depth. The coach wants players to push each other for selection rather than waiting for their turn. This pressure, he said, improves the overall performance of the squad.

The 2027 squad features a balance of senior leadership and emerging talent. Midfielder Meihana Grindlay moves to a full contract after appearing in limited matches last year. The list includes three lock players and four first five options. The Highlanders aim to turn this roster into on-field results starting in February.