Holland vows to remain in Dunedin
HAYDEN MEIKLE
FABIAN Holland has reiterated his desire to stay in Dunedin and push hard to realise his All Black dream.
The Highlanders’ favourite Dutchman, who initially moved to New Zealand at the age of 16 for a sixmonth spell in Christchurch, will become eligible to represent his adopted country next year.
He will also come off contract with the Highlanders after the 2025 season but said he did not intend to go anywhere as he pursued an All Black jersey. ‘‘That’s the dream, yeah. That’s what we’re going after. ‘‘I’ve got one more year for residency.
‘‘At the moment, the only thing I can control is playing good footy for the Highlanders, and doing what they want, and when the time comes, I can worry about all that stuff later. ‘‘I’m signed for next year. Hopefully I can sign for more. I love it down here. For me, this is home.’’
Holland, 21, did not get much of a chance to speak to incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson during a recent visit. He got to know Robertson when he was playing for Christchurch Boys’ High School. ‘‘He’s a great man. I have a lot of respect for that guy and what he’s done, and the journey he’s about to embark on, which is pretty cool for him.’’
Holland’s story has been well told but it is still one that generates a lot of admiration. After discovering rugby in his native Netherlands as a young fellow and becoming obsessed with the idea of pursuing the sport in New Zealand, he decided to stay in the southern hemisphere and join Otago and the Highlanders.
He made his Super
Rugby debut as an injury replacement in 2022 and now has 15 caps, having missed a chunk of games with knee and hamstring injuries, then concussion. ‘‘I had a few hiccups with injuries last year, but I’m happy to string some games together and get consistent game time and so forth.
‘‘I’ve got the same goal now that I had back then and that’s just to become the best rugby player I can possibly be, and do my job for the Highlanders. ‘‘Growing up in the Netherlands, moving here when I was 16 . . . you know, my parents brought me up with some core values.
I’m signed for next year. Hopefully I can sign for more. I love it down here. For me, this is home
‘‘Of course you grow up and become an adult. Some things change. But living here, and being around the team, I couldn’t be more happy.’’
Now he is not the only Dutchman in the building.
Younger brother Quinten, a rugged lock or loose forward who followed Fabian to the other side of the world, is a recent New Zealand Schools representative and a member of the Highlanders high performance programme.
Fabian has the height and maturity advantage, but Quinten is his own man.
‘‘I don’t know if I’m in the protective big brother role, but I definitely try to show him strengths and lead by example. ‘‘I remember when I came down here in my first year from Christchurch. I had to figure out a lot of stuff about how I was going to go about things.
‘‘So I just try to help him here and there. He’s doing med science as well, so he’s got his hands full with that.’’
Holland and his teammates are still buzzing after their groundbreaking trip to Tonga. ‘‘It was unreal, to be honest. I absolutely loved it. The people were so nice there. It was pretty special to experience it in a way where we could put on a show for them.
‘‘I think the Highlanders pride themselves on their diversity. We’ve got people from all over the place. It’s funny to learn about different cultures and it’s just a good experience to share how you look at the world and how you experience things, and it’s brought this group of boys a lot closer.’’
Holland has revelled in the opportunity to learn from the experienced Mitch Dunshea now the exCrusader is fit to take his place in the team. Speaking of the Crusaders, Holland is indeed excited about tomorrow night’s game, especially as he sees former Christchurch Boys’ teammate Jamie Hannah on the visiting bench.