highlanders u20s Banner 1920x640

High Performance Programme

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.

highlanders awards edited 35mm 2024 66

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)