Injury Clouds Fabian Holland’s Season Opener

The Highlanders’ final preparations for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season have been clouded by a significant injury to star lock Fabian Holland. The All Black second-rower was forced from the field just minutes into his appearance during the Highlanders’ 41-31 pre-season win over Moana Pasifika at the Queenstown Events Centre on Friday.

Holland, recently crowned the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, was introduced from the bench but lasted less than 10 minutes. The 12-Test veteran appeared to suffer a shoulder injury while contesting a ruck, collapsing in visible distress before being assisted from the pitch by medical staff. He was later seen being transported from the ground via ambulance.

Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody confirmed the team is in a "wait-and-see" mode ahead of official medical scans.

"He’s injured his shoulder. I don’t really know the extent of it yet," Dermody told Newstalk ZB. "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."