Fakatava sticking with Highlanders
The Highlanders have made a significant statement by retaining the services of halfback Folau Fakatava until the end of 2023.
The highly promising No 9 was in demand throughout New Zealand, with Hurricanes coach Jason Holland openly stating his interest, but Fakatava will now form a strong one-two punch with All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith in Dunedin.
‘‘I have really enjoyed my time here and although there were other options, I really wanted to pay back the club that gave me my start,’’ Fakatava said.
‘‘I have had the best halfback in the world as my coach and I feel very lucky to have had the chance to learn so much down here.
‘‘I feel like a southern man now.’’
Fakatava joined Hawke’s Bay in 2018 as an 18-year-old and signed for the Highlanders in 2019, and he now has the opportunity to replace Smith as the club’s long-term halfback – and follow him into the All Blacks.
‘‘He is a special talent no doubt, he has certainly grown as a man and a player over the last few seasons and his game is starting to come together nicely,’’ said Highlanders coach Tony Brown.
‘‘He is a real threat to any defence and was outstanding for Hawke’s Bay last season. We look forward to him taking his game to new heights over the next few years and I would love to see both Aaron and Folau in the All Blacks – he is certainly capable’’.
Fakatava has already scored two tries this season with the sort of sharp running from the base of the scrum and ruck that has become his trademark.
Strong defensively, Fakatava
has the potential to develop into an all-round No 9 but his decision to stay in Dunedin is also a big lift for the Highlanders.
Fakatava’s retention will make it easier to attract other quality players to the Deep South and Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark admitted it was ‘‘key to our future aspirations’’.
The Highlanders suffered a convincing loss to the Blues at Eden Park last week and Fakatava is unlikely to be the last of their signings for 2022 and beyond.
While the stocks at No 10 and in the outside backs and loose forwards are healthy, improvements can be made in the tight five, while Fetuli Paea’s season-ending injury has exposed a lack of depth in the midfield.
‘‘I have had the best halfback in the world as my coach and I feel very lucky to have had the chance to learn so much down here. I feel like a southern man now.’’ Folau Fakatava