Hayden Michaels is a 22-year-old Flanker from Gore who counts Ritchie McCaw as his favourite rugby player.

Michaels plays for Southland in the NPC and debuted in 2021 - a memory that he considers his favourite rugby experience to date. A year later, in 2022, Michaels was a part of the New Zealand Under 20's side to win the 2022 World Championship while also being a member of the Highlanders John Jones Steel High Performance Programme (graduating in 2023).

Michaels played in his rookie Super Rugby contract season in 2024 and played his Highlanders debut against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

What is your favourite rugby memory?

Southland Debut

Favourite singer?

Wax Mustang

What does representing the Highlanders mean to you?

The opportunity to represent friends and family, and the Southern region.