Highlanders hammered by season-ending injury to All Blacks halfback prospect Dylan Pledger

Monday, 12 January 2026

All Blacks halfback-in-waiting Dylan Pledger has sustained a serious knee injury and will be ruled out of the sport for 12 months.

Pledger, who was tipped to make a significant impact for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific, ruptured an ACL during pre-season training.

Although he has yet to play for the Highlanders, the talented No 9 proved with his performances for Otago in the NPC last year that he would have been on the All Blacks selectors’ shortlist for the test squads in 2026.

In a social media post released by the Highlanders on Monday, Pledger stated: “It’s incredibly disappointing to get a season-ending injury as I was very excited about my first full season as a professional.

“I guess I have learned early that part of being a professional rugby player is dealing with injury.

'My energy now will be put into rehabbing as best I can so I can come back in the best possible shape. I will be able to focus a bit more on my study too.”

Pledger, who had represented the New Zealand under-20 team and played a key role in Otago winning the Ranfurly Shield and qualifying for the NPC final against Canterbury in Christchurch, was regarded as one of the most exciting No 9s in New Zealand.

His running game and snappy passing proved valuable for Otago and although he was overlooked for the All Blacks and All Black XV squads for the northern tours late last year, he was expected to be earmarked for high honours ahead of the World Cup in 2027.

The Highlanders, however, have depth at halfback.

Coach Jamie Joseph can call upon Folau Fakatava, who made two test appearances in 2022, as well as Adam Lennox.

Last year Robertson picked Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima and Finlay Christie as his No 9s for the northern tour.

Noah Hotham was unavailable because of injury.

Kyle Preston, Xavier Roe and Fakatava were the halfbacks in the All Blacks XV squad, which was coached by Joseph.