The Highlanders squad has a number of new faces and this will make for a very exciting season in 2013.
The forward pack will be bolstered by the experience of Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock who have played a combined total of 151 tests for the All Blacks and 205 Super Rugby matches. Also joining the big men up front are Liam Coltman, Brayden Mitchell, Joe Wheeler and Jake Paringatai.
Coltman has impressed in the ITM Cup for Otago at both hooker and prop, while Wheeler has had a strong season for Tasman. Mitchell has also impressed for Southland and has been a part of the Highlanders Wider Training Group over the last couple of seasons.
Paringatai had a taste of Super Rugby with the Crusaders in 2007, and is making his way back to Super Rugby with the Highlanders from Japan.
The back division includes marquee signing Ma'a Nonu from the Blues. Nonu will join a backline that features All Blacks Aaron Smith, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade and Ben Smith. Other new faces include Jason Emery, Declan O'Donnell, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoalii and Fumiaki Tanaka.