Highlanders keep Japanese import

The Highlanders revealed that Japanese international Fumiaki Tanaka will be returning to play for the Dunedin-based franchise in 2015.

Tanaka's signing will see him return to Dunedin for his third consecutive Super Rugby season.

Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown said it was great to have Tanaka back.

"He is a quality scrumhalf, who plays with outstanding skill and speed," Brown said.

"He loves playing for the Highlanders and is a great team man with a big heart."

Tanaka has played 26 games for the Highlanders since debuting in 2013 as the first Japanese player to play Super Rugby in New Zealand.

Tanaka has become a local favourite playing for Otago in the 2012 and 2013 NPC seasons, before returning to Japan during the NPC this year to play for his Japanese club, Panasonic.

When asked about his return for the 2015 season Tanaka said he was "very excited" to be back playing for the Highlanders.

"I have big passion for the team and Dunedin," he said.

"Super Rugby is very tough but I enjoy the challenge of playing against the best teams and players."

Over the past three years Tanaka and his family have made Dunedin home and will return to Dunedin in December for pre-season training.