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.

Frank van Schaijik, John Jones Steel Managing Director, pictured with (left to right) Noah Hotham, Saula Mau, Fabian Holland and Sean Withy at the Highlanders High Performance launch.
Alefosio Aho
Position: Lock Born: 15/02/03 Height: 198cm Weight: 133kg School: St Kentigern's College |
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Semisi Tupou-Ta'eiloa
Position: Loose Forward Born: 25/11/03 Height: 183cm Weight: 114kg School: Otago Boys' High School |
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Will Stodart
Position: Loose Forward Born: 29/10/03 Height: 195cm Weight: 114kg School: St Andrew's College |
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Ajay Faleafaga
Position: First Five Eighth Born: 02/02/03 Height: 175cm Weight: 89kg School: St Peters College, Epsom |
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Jeremiah Asi
Position: Outside Back Born: 10/09/03 Height: 188cm Weight: 100kg School: St Peters College, Epsom
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Finn Hurley
Position: Fullback Born: 25/06/03 Height: 174 Weight: 76 School: Otago Boys' high School |
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Reuben Palmer
Position: Lock Born: 03/03/04 Height: 197cm Weight: 128kg School: Tauranga Boys College |
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Max Ratcliffe
Position: Loose Forward Born: 27/07/04 Height: 190cm Weight: 112kg School: Napier Boy's High School
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Josh Whaanga
Position: Midfield Born: 15/03/04 Height: 193cm Weight: 98kg School: John McGlashan College |
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Stan McClure
Position: Outside Back Born: 13/05/04 Height: 184cm Weight: 93kg School: John McGlashan College
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Kyan Rangitutia
Position: Outside Back Born: 15/03/05 Height: 195cm Weight: 93kg School: St John's College, Hamilton |
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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) |
Oli Haig | 2023 | v Force 2023 | Highlanders (#335) |
Jake Te Hiwi | 2023 | v Chiefs 2023 | Highlanders (#333) |
Nathan Hastie | 2023 | v Force 2023 | Highlanders (#340) |
Hayden Michaels | 2023 | Signed to 2024 Highlanders | |
Ajay Faleafaga | 2023 | Signed to 2024 Highlanders |