De Groot and Tangitau dominate Highlanders Annual Awards Evening

Last night at the University of Otago Business School the Highlanders held the 2026 John Jones Steel Awards evening to celebrate the standout performers of the 2026 season. The annual awards evening centres on recognising the individuals who have embodied the values of the club throughout the campaign and awards excellence in all areas on and off the field.

Co-Captain, Ethan de Groot, was the supreme winner on the evening and was named the 2026 Pulse Energy MVP and also the prestigious, Highlander Man. The All Black prop anchored a powerful scrum, provided leadership as co‑captain, and delivered some of his finest rugby in a Highlanders jersey while navigating becoming a first time parent. This is the first time De Groot has won the MVP award and the second time he has been awarded the Highlander Man (after first receiving it in 2024). These two awards acknowledge his immense contributions to the team both on and off the field.

Caleb Tangitau also picked up multiple awards after an outstanding season on the wing. A season that has been devastatingly curtailed by an Achilles injury picked up in the dying minutes of last Friday’s game against the Chiefs.

Electric Tangitau, a player widely regarded as an All Black in waiting, delivered a season of consistent brilliance; highlighted by his explosive first half against the Waratahs that helped set up a commanding 28–5 halftime lead. He has scored seven (7) tries to date and is the joint leading try scorer for 2026. Tangitau received three awards: Back of the Year, SBS Bank Fan Player of Year and Speights Player’s Player acknowledging his importance to his fellow teammates and the fans as well.

A model of durability and consistency, Te Kamaka Howden claimed 2026 Forward of the Year and Defender of the Year after starting virtually every match and logging the most minutes of any Highlander’s player this season. A defensive colossus and a key figure in the lineout, Howden cemented his role at blindside flanker while also covering lock when required. His versatility, work rate, and physical presence have made him indispensable in 2026. His tackle numbers, repeat efforts, and reliability under pressure were unmatched — a season where, quite simply, the stats didn’t lie and after 14 rounds Howden tops the Super Rugby Pacific Competition for tackles completed and boasts a 92% tackle success rate.  

Young loose forward Lucas Casey claimed 2026 Rookie of the Year following a breakout NPC campaign for Otago. Initially part of the wider training group, Casey earned his debut in Round 1 against the Crusaders and has made a total of 10 appearances so far this season. A dynamic ball‑carrier and strong defender, he has all the attributes of a long‑term Highlander and gave a man of the match performance against the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend.

The Southern Inspiration Award, a relatively new accolade, honours the individual who best embodies the Highlanders Club purpose of Southern Inspiration. This year’s recipient, Angus Ta’avao, made a profound impact in his first season with the Highlanders. His leadership, mentorship, and professionalism helped guide a young squad, while his courage and dignity in the face of personal tragedy earned deep admiration across the Club. Ta’avao gave rise to additional celebration when he confirmed his contract extension and return to the Highlanders in 2027.

Rising Southland first five, Mika Muliaina, was recognised as the University of Otago Highlanders Region U20 MVP after a standout year that included selection for the New Zealand U20s, where he started all three matches on their recent tour. At just 18, he debuted for Southland in the NPC and has already signed with the Highlanders from 2027.

Community engagement remains a key performance indicator for all Highlanders, and this year’s recipient of the Lone Star Community Champ, Andrew Knewstubb, was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to the community programme across the region.

Balancing rugby with life beyond the game is a cornerstone of the Highlanders environment and Sean Withy was honoured for completing his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Otago. Withy has achieved this milestone during his tenure as a professional rugby player.

The evening was attended by more than 200 guests and rounded out by an entertaining 30-year retrospective delivered by Greg O’Brien, General Manager of Rugby who has been an employee with the Highlanders Club for the entire 30 year span – Good on ya mate! 

2026 Highlanders Award Recipients

Lone Star Highlanders Community Champ - Andrew Knewstubb

Player Personal Development Award - Sean Withy

Forward of the Year - Te Kamaka Howden

Back of the Year - Caleb Tangitau

Defender of the Year - Te Kamaka Howden

Speight’s Players’ Player - Caleb Tangitau

University of Otago Highlanders Region U20s Player of the Year - Mika Muliana

Southern Inspiration Award - Angus Ta’avao

SBS Fan Player of the Year – Caleb Tangitau

Rookie of the year - Lucas Casey

Pulse Energy MVP – Ethan de Groot

Highlander Man - Ethan de Groot 

END