Highlanders look to the Future with Long-Term Re-Signing of Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

The Highlanders are thrilled to announce that explosive outside backs Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens have re-signed with the club through to the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Both players have been standout performers in 2025, bringing electric pace, attacking flair, and strong defensive presence to the Highlanders' backline. Their commitment to the southern franchise marks a significant boost to the team’s long-term ambitions.

Caleb Tangitau, 22, made a name for himself on the international Sevens stage before transitioning to Super Rugby, where his blend of power and pace has quickly made him a crowd favourite. The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season has been a break out one for the pacy winger scoring six tries before having his season curtailed by an ongoing groin injury.

The winger is already considering the possibilities of next season:

“I feel like there is something really good building here and I am keen to be a part of it and to take my career to the next level. Getting an opportunity to play regularly was a big factor in my coming South. It turned out to be a good call for me and it made my re-signing a pretty easy decision.”

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 23, has brought versatility and X-factor to the Highlanders since joining the squad in 2024, with the ability to cover wing and fullback his flair and vision have made him one of the most exciting backs in the competition. Having recovered from a serious neck injury, his injection into the Highlanders backline mid-season, added some real punch to the Highlanders attack.

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens affinity for the South had a big bearing on his decision:

“Since coming down  here I have been made to feel really at home. I love the team and the support the team gets from the people of the region. The decision to extend I guess reflects the respect I have for the club and the genuine belief that this team has an exciting future. I didn’t really consider going anywhere else to be honest.”

Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph is delighted to have locked his attack weapons in for three years:

“It’s exciting for us as coaches to know we’ll have Caleb and Jacob developing within our system for the next few years. They’re both game-changers — players who can turn a match in an instant. Just as importantly, they’re quality individuals off the field and valued members of our team culture. We will  look to continue building our roster around a core of emerging talent as we target success in Super Rugby Pacific.”

ENDS