Highlanders lock in two more players for 2025

The dust has hardly settled on the 2024 Highlanders season and already the focus has turned to next year for the Highlanders as they continue to build their squad for 2025.

The announcement of the signing of Finn Hurley as a fully contracted Highlander for the next two years will warm the hearts of the rugby supporters from both Southland and Otago. The Southland born former Gore High School player played his First XV rugby for Otago Boys High School and is currently contracted to Otago for the NPC season.

A mercurial player he played most of his formative rugby at first-five before moving to fullback and wing. Following some standout performances for the Highlanders U20’s he gained selection for the New Zealand U20’s in 2022, making three appearances, before his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders against the Force in 2023.

Last year he played 10 games in the NPC for Otago in his inaugural season, however his start to the 2024 season was delayed due to injury,  he joined the Highlanders late in the competition as an injury replacement clocking up four games and some impressive performances.

Highlanders High Performance Coach Kane Jury recruited Hurley as a youngster and has high hopes for his future.

“Finn has come through our High Performance programme and our U20 system, so we have seen a lot of him over the last few years. Each year he gets better and better as his confidence grows. He has a wonderful skillset and versatility – he can comfortably play fullback, wing or first-five and with his pace can really create things on a rugby field for himself and others.”

Hurley is looking forward to more time in the professional ranks.

“I really enjoyed the taste of Super Rugby I got this year and am excited about next season already. I know most of the boys within the team now and I’m keen to help the team push on to better things in 2025.”

The Highlanders have also re-signed hard running number eight Hugh Renton for another two seasons. Renton has been with the Highlanders since 2021 and has made 37 appearances for the club.

He was unfortunately sidelined for much of 2024 due to injury and was restricted to just a few appearances at the start of the season however his form over the last few seasons has been compelling. In 2023 Renton was the Highlanders top try scorer. He is expected to be available to play during this year’s NPC and will be looking forward to getting back out on the paddock.

Renton is looking forward to the next two years

“I am grateful to be able to extend my time at the Highlanders. This region and team feel like my second family and I am excited about the journey the team are on. We are just getting started and I am thrilled to be part of it.”

Head Coach Jamie Joseph is glad to have confirmed Renton and Hurley.

“A couple of good signings for us, Hugh is player who revels in the physicality of the game and is also an aggressive defender. As a senior member of the team he knows what’s required at Super Rugby level and is a valuable member of the squad. Finn has the potential to mature into an excellent player over the next few seasons. He is very versatile and a real handful on attack for the opposition.”

ENDS