Fabian Holland, a rising star for the Highlanders and the All Blacks, will miss the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season after dislocating his shoulder in a pre-season match against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown over the weekend. The 23-year-old lock suffered the injury during a ruck in the Highlanders’ victory, assistant coach Ben Smith confirmed on Monday.
Smith stated the shoulder was successfully relocated shortly after the incident and that initial X-rays did not reveal any fractures. The length of Holland’s recovery remains uncertain, presenting a significant setback for both the Highlanders and the All Blacks.
Holland’s emergence as a key player for the All Blacks last year, following his Test debut against France in Dunedin, had been a major positive for the national side. His hard work and resilience alongside captain Scott Barrett quickly established him as a valuable asset.
The injury compounds a growing list of concerns for the Highlanders, who are already without Dylan Pledger, a promising halfback. Pledger ruptured his ACL during training last month and will be sidelined for the entire year, potentially delaying his opportunity to contend for a spot in an All Blacks squad.
The setback for Holland arrives as Blues and All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu continues his recovery from a shoulder injury that required surgery. Tuipulotu was initially named in the All Blacks’ complete-of-year tour squad but was subsequently withdrawn, and is expected to return to play in mid-April, according to reports.
Adding to the complexity of the All Blacks’ forward pack, Scott Barrett is currently on a non-playing sabbatical, which will keep him out of action for much of the season. This absence comes ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship in July, featuring Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland, followed by a challenging tour of South Africa in August and September.
Competition for second-row positions within the All Blacks remains strong, with Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord of the Chiefs, and Sam Darry of the Blues, all vying for selection.
The Highlanders, under head coach Jamie Joseph, whose future with the franchise is currently uncertain amid speculation he has applied for the vacant All Blacks head coach position, will begin their Super Rugby Pacific campaign by hosting the reigning champion Crusaders in Dunedin on Friday night.
