Lima Sopoaga will play his ITM Cup rugby for Southland for the next two seasons.
The former New Zealand under-20 representative has played for Wellington since 2010 and amassed 37 caps, while he joined the Highlanders in Super Rugby in 2011.
Sopoaga who is in Brisbane with the Highlanders preparing to meet the Reds tonight, said he was excited by the chance to ply his trade with the Stags.
"The opportunity came up and it is a good fit to stay in the Highlander franchise and represent the region in the Super 15 and ITM Cup. I'm really starting to feel at home in the south now and proud to be part of the region."
