Aaron Smith returns for his 12th Super Rugby season with the Highlanders after being signed in 2011 as an apprentice to All Blacks' scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan. Smith's form led him to become the first-choice No. 9 in 2012 and he was also first selected for the All Blacks that same year.

A skillful distributor and reader of the play, he has solidified himself as an integral part of both the Highlanders and All Blacks with his exceptional form throughout 2015 leading to him being nominated for two awards at the 2015 New Zealand Rugby (Tom French Memorial Maori Rugby Player of the Year and Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year). Aaron continues to set the standard for halfbacks internationally and is unmatched in speed of play. 

Aaron became the most capped Highlander of all-time (163) in 2021 overtaking former teammate and great mate, Ben Smith. A milestone that will struggle to be caught in the modern era.