Highlanders sign New Zealand under-20s stars Dylan Pedger, Stanley Solomon and Josh Tengblad

Thursday, 21 August 2025

The Highlanders have added Wellington first-five/fullback Stanley Solomon, Otago halfback Dylan Pledger and Otago lock Josh Tengblad to their ranks.

Solomon and Pledger have signed two-year deals for 2026-2027, while Tengblad will join for the 2027-2028 campaigns.

Solomon and Pledger have been standouts for the New Zealand under-20s team for the past two years, while Tengblad was an imposing figure for the national age-grade side this year before an injury took him out of the world championship campaign.

Pledger was also outstanding for Otago in their 46-41 win against Wellington on Sunday and there is growing belief within the Highlanders that he can be the heir to Aaron Smith.

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said in a statement: “We’ve been watching Dylan, Josh and Stanley closely – they’re all outstanding young men who have absolutely earned this opportunity.

“What they’ve achieved in their short rugby careers demonstrates they have the temperament and skill to take the next step in their professional careers.

“We’re excited to welcome them into the Highlanders environment.”

Pledger only turned 20 in June but his skillset, pace and passing game suggests he will push for a starting position at the Highlanders in 2026.

Otago halfback Dylan Pledger breaks past Wellington hooker Asafo Aumua last Sunday.

“Growing up in Dunedin, the Highlanders have always been the team I aspired to play for,” Pledger said in a statement.

“To now have the chance to be part of the squad is a dream come true.

“I’m excited to keep learning and to challenge myself at the next level.”

Solomon is a product of Wellington College and his ability to cover No 10, No 15 and wing at a push makes him a good replacement for the departing Sam Gilbert.

At this stage of his career he looks like a bench option but Joseph showed last season he had no issues with backing smaller, X-factor players such as Solomon or Finn Hurley, who remains troubled with a thigh injury and may not play any part in the NPC for Otago.

Stanley Solomon collides with Waikato's Tepaea Cook-Savage in the NPC semifinal last year.

“I am buzzing to join the Highlanders, and I can’t wait to rip in, earn respect and represent the South with pride. It’s time to get to work,” Solomon in a statement.

Tengblad, out of Sacred Heart College in Auckland, is still only 19 and has yet to make his provincial debut, but the 2m-plus lock took part in a Highlanders preseason game earlier this year and is valued for his size and work rate.

Although not fully contracted until 2027, Tengblad could well be in line for a Highlanders wider training group contract next year and still get some game in Super Rugby Pacific.

“Signing with the Highlanders is such a massive honour,” Tengblad said in a statement.

“I’ve loved being part of the [Highlanders] U20s the past couple of years, and now I’m just really excited for the chance to step up, learn heaps, and contribute in a fully professional environment over the next few seasons.”

Pledger will replace Nathan Hastie, who is joining the Western Force, while Highlanders have already signed Auckland prop Angus Ta’avao.

The Post also understands they have a genuine interest in Taranaki No 10 Josh Jacomb, although he is contracted to the Chiefs next year.

Jacomb would likely command the No 10 jersey in Dunedin, increasing his All Blacks prospects while reuniting with Taranaki fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and halfback Adam Lennox, who is also understood to be joining the Highlanders.