HIGHLANDERS EXTEND FABIAN HOLLAND FOR THREE MORE YEARS

The Highlanders are excited to announce that towering lock Fabian Holland has re-signed with the club for an additional three years, extending his commitment through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Since arriving in New Zealand from the Netherlands at just 16 years old, Holland has rapidly ascended through the rugby ranks. Selected for the NZ U20s in 2021 he also made his NPC debut for Otago in the same season.

In 2022 at just 19 years of age he played the first of his 33 appearance for the Highlanders and has since become a mainstay in the starting lineup playing 13 games in 2024 and every game in 2025.

His consistent performances have earned him recognition at national level, including a call-up to the All Blacks XV in 2024 and a match for the renowned Barbarians club against Fiji alongside All Black great Sam Whitelock. At a domestic level Holland was announced as the 2025 Forward and Defender of the year at the Highlanders annual awards evening held on Monday night.

Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph commended Holland's development:

“Fabian has come a long way in a short amount of time. He’s hungry for knowledge, has lots of energy, wants to help and focused on fulfilling his rugby aspirations. We are delighted that he has committed to the team for the future.”

Holland expressed his enthusiasm about the extension:

“This was not a hard decision for me really, being a Highlander means everything to me—a little Dutch kid’s dream that has become a reality. I love this club and the people of the region and can’t wait to get stuck into another season with this team.”

The highly touted Holland will no doubt be in line for higher honours at some point and at 22 years old has a big future in front of him.

ENDS