All Blacks and Highlanders lock Fabian Holland ruled out for season

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

The Highlanders have been dealt a cruel blow a couple of days out from the start of Super Rugby Pacific.

All Blacks lock Fabian Holland will miss their entire campaign, after dislocating his shoulder in last week’s pre-season victory over Moana Pasifika.

The Highlanders confirmed the grim news on Wednesday, which will also rule him out of the All Blacks’ July test matches.

“He will have surgery next week and is expected to return in time to be available for selection for the All Blacks tour [of South Africa] in August,” the Highlanders posted.

Holland left the field in obvious pain after 50 minutes in the Highlanders’ 41-31 win against Moana Pasifika last Friday, suffering a shoulder injury after he was cleaned out at a ruck.

The 23-year-old was excellent fort both the Highlanders and All Blacks last year, and joins talented halfback Dylan Pledger (knee) in missing the Highlanders’ Super Rugby campaign this year.