Highlanders sign Stags youngster Mika Muliaina for three years

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

Rugby player Mika Muliaina has been signed by the Highlanders on a full-time, three-year contract from 2027.

Southland Stags player Mika Muliaina has inked a three-year deal with the Highlanders from 2027.

Muliaina, 18, took part in his first National Provincial Champtionship this year with the Southland Stags and was set to be eased into action throughout the season.

However, he impressed at trainings and was the team’s first choice at first five-eighth for the campaign.

He showed glimpses of potential in what was an up and down Stags campaign, including his ability to run the ball along with a good kicking game.

A proud Southlander, Muliaina has risen through the John Jones Steel Highlanders High Performance Programme and is currently on a national development contract (NDC) that will have him training with the Highlanders squad in 2026.

Muliaina is a “rare talent”, according to Highlanders assistant coach Kane Jury.

Earlier in the year Muliaina said it was a dream being able to debut for the Stags. Now he’s signed to the other team he grew up supporting during childhood.

“I’m proud to be joining the Highlanders in 2027,” he said. “There’s something special about the south – the people, the passion, the history.

“I’m excited to get stuck in, firstly as an NDC this year and then as a full‑time professional in 2027.”

Muliaina enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, beginning with eye‑catching performances for the Highlanders under-20 side at the national tournament in Taupō. His form earned him a standby position for the New Zealand under-20s and led to appearances for the Stags.

The Muliaina name carries strong rugby pedigree. His uncle Mils Muliaina played 100 tests for the All Blacks, while his father, Faolua, and another uncle, Alesana, both represented Southland in the NPC.

Highlanders assistant coach and talent development manager Kane Jury said Muliaina’s potential was clear.

“Mika is a rare talent. For someone so young to show such maturity in a pivotal position like first five, you immediately sense how high his ceiling is.

“When you consider he has already won a national schools title with Southland Boys’, been in the NZ under-20s selection frame, represented NZ Universities in Japan, debuted for the Southland Stags, has the chance to push for an under-20 World Cup in 2026, and now signs a professional contract – all by 18 – it’s incredibly impressive.”