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.

Alefosio Aho

Position: Lock  Born: 15/02/03 Height: 198cm Weight: 133kg School: St Kentigern's College

Semisi Tupou-Ta'eiloa

Position: Loose Forward  Born: 25/11/03 Height: 183cm Weight: 114kg School: Otago Boys' High School

Will Stodart

Position: Loose Forward  Born: 29/10/03 Height: 195cm Weight: 114kg School: St Andrew's College

Ajay Faleafaga

Position: First Five Eighth  Born: 02/02/03 Height: 175cm Weight: 89kg School: St Peters College, Epsom

Jeremiah Asi

Position: Outside Back  Born: 10/09/03 Height: 188cm Weight: 100kg School: St Peters College, Epsom

Finn Hurley

Position: Fullback  Born: 25/06/03 Height: 174 Weight: 76 School: Otago Boys' high School

Reuben Palmer

Position: Lock  Born: 03/03/04 Height: 197cm Weight: 128kg School: Tauranga Boys College

Max Ratcliffe

Position: Loose Forward Born: 27/07/04 Height: 190cm Weight: 112kg School: Napier Boy's High School

Josh Whaanga

Position: Midfield  Born: 15/03/04 Height: 193cm Weight: 98kg School: John McGlashan College

Stan McClure

Position: Outside Back  Born: 13/05/04 Height: 184cm Weight: 93kg School: John McGlashan College

Kyan Rangitutia

Position: Outside Back Born: 15/03/05 Height: 195cm Weight: 93kg School: St John's College, Hamilton