The John Jones Steel High Performance Programme was established in 2020 with the goal to ensure we identify and keep our local-based talent in the region and also to attract talent from outside the region to help fast track their development to become Highlanders.
We have a three-step development pyramid of Learn, To Earn, The Opportunity. That we rely on to help develop good Highlanders on the field but also better Highlander Men off it.
Learn: The foundation of our performance PYRAMID is how well we learn to perform consistently - firstly as individuals, then as a team.
To Earn: On a day-to-day basis, on and off the field, perform to a level that earns the right to represent.
The Opportunity: Only a lucky few get to represent us each week.. They will have earned it.
John Jones Steel is one of the largest and most advanced structural steel fabricating enterprises in New Zealand. Frank and his team at John Jones Steel are proud to back the boys coming through the Highlanders High Performance Programme. Their support not only allows the Highlanders to identify the best local talent and attract players to our region, it also helps us create a world class programme to develop these young players.
2023 High Performance Programme Graduates from left to right: Jack Taylor, Will Stodart, Ajay Faleafaga, Finn Hurley, Jake Te Hiwi, Hayden Michaels, Kane Jury (HPP Programme Manager), Oliver Haig, Nathan Hastie and Rohan Wingham.
Year 1 Shaun Kempton Josh Tengblad Quintin Holland Gregor Rutledge Dylan Pledger Tayne Harvey Josh Augustine |
Year 2 Josh Whaanga Rueben Palmer A-One Lolofie Moana Takataka Max Ratcliffe Kyan Rangitutia Stan McClure |
High Performance Programme Graduates
Name | Year Graduated | Super Rugby Debut | Team |
Sean Withy | 2021 | v Crusaders 2022 | Highlanders (#320) |
Saula Ma'u | 2021 | v Hurricanes 2022 | Highlanders (#317) |
James Arscott | 2021 | v Waratahs 2021 | Highlanders (#310) |
Fabian Holland | 2022 | v Blues 2022 | Highlanders (#319) |
Noah Hotham | 2022 | v Highlanders 2023 | Crusaders (#270) |
Jack Taylor | 2023 | v Drua 2023 | Highlanders (#339) |
Cameron Millar | 2023 | v Force 2023 | Highlanders (#337) |
Oliver Haig | 2023 | v Force 2023 | Highlanders (#335) |
Jake Te Hiwi | 2023 | v Chiefs 2023 | Highlanders (#333) |
Nathan Hastie | 2023 | v Force 2023 | Highlanders (#340) |
Ajay Faleafaga | 2023 | v Blues 2024 | Highlanders (#347) |
Hayden Michaels | 2023 | v Hurricanes 2024 | Highlanders (#354) |
Ajay Faleafaga | 2023 | v Blues 2024 | Highlanders (#347) |
Rohan Wingham | 2023 | v Hurricanes 2024 | Highlanders (#349) |
Will Stodart | 2023 | v Rebels 2024 | Highlanders (#350) |