Highlanders Face Early Season Challenges with Holland Injury
The Highlanders’ preparations for the Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Crusaders have been dealt a blow with a shoulder injury to All Black lock Fabian Holland. The injury occurred during a pre-season match against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown over the weekend, and will see the 23-year-old sidelined for the start of the competition.
Holland dislocated his shoulder during the match, sustained when he was “cleaned out at a ruck,” according to Highlanders assistant coach Ben Smith. While the joint was successfully relocated shortly after the incident, the extent of the damage and the length of his recovery remain uncertain. X-rays have ruled out any fractures, offering a small measure of relief, but a definitive timeline for his return is yet to be established.
The injury is particularly unfortunate given Holland’s breakthrough year in 2025, where he quickly established himself as a key player for both the Highlanders and the All Blacks. His debut for New Zealand against France in Dunedin marked the beginning of a promising international career, showcasing his hard work and resilience alongside captain Scott Barrett.
This setback adds to a growing injury list for the Highlanders, who are already without highly promising halfback Dylan Pledger. Pledger ruptured his ACL during training last month and will miss the entire 2026 season. The loss of Pledger, a 20-year-old who was considered a strong contender for an extended All Blacks squad this year, represents a significant blow to the franchise’s future plans.
The timing of Holland’s injury also impacts the All Blacks’ second-row depth. Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu is currently recovering from a shoulder injury of his own, having undergone surgery and is expected to return to play in mid-April. With Barrett also on a non-playing sabbatical ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship in July, the All Blacks’ lock options are currently limited.
The Nations Championship, featuring Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland at home, followed by a challenging tour of South Africa in August and September, will demand a robust and healthy squad. The absence of key players like Holland and the ongoing recovery of Tuipulotu will undoubtedly test the depth of the All Blacks’ forward pack.
Other All Blacks locks in contention include Chiefs pair Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord, and Blues lock Sam Darry. The Highlanders will be hoping for a swift recovery for Holland, but must now prepare to navigate the early stages of the Super Rugby Pacific season without one of their key players.
The Highlanders’ head coach, Jamie Joseph, faces added scrutiny as his future with the franchise remains uncertain. Joseph is reportedly a candidate for the vacant All Blacks coaching position, previously held by Scott Robertson. The team’s performance this season, particularly in the face of these early injuries, could significantly influence the decision-making process.
Despite the challenges, the Highlanders will look to make a strong start to the season when they host the reigning champion Crusaders in Dunedin on . The match will be a crucial test of their resilience and depth, as they aim to overcome these early setbacks and compete for a playoff spot in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Assistant coach Clarke Dermody acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Holland’s injury, stating, “He’s injured his shoulder, I don’t really know the extent of it yet.” Dermody expressed hope that the injury isn’t as serious as it appears, adding, “Fingers crossed it’s not as bad as what it looked. I’d love him to be fit [for Round 1]; he’s obviously a huge, influential player for us.”
