'Landers sign key duo
Veteran loose forward Elliot Dixon , who recently inked a one season deal in Japan, and hard running midfielder Teihorangi Walden have both committed to the Highlanders for two more years.
Dixon, who has played 88 times for the Highlanders since 2012 and was selected for the Maori All Blacks in 2012 and the All Blacks in 2016 playing 3 games, will return from Japan for the 2019 Super Rugby season and be available for the National Provincial Cup. A versatile loose forward equally at home at six, seven or eight his experience will be a valuable asset to the Highlanders in future campaigns.
Dixon is excited about the future "It’s great to get the opportunity to play a season in Japan at the end of this year. It will be a new challenge for me. I have been with the Highlanders a while now and I’m looking forward to another couple of years with them. We enjoy our lifestyle down here and the team environment is great,"
It’s been a break out season for the twenty-four year old Walden, having started in all but one game thus far, he has also formed a potent combination in the centres with Rob Thompson. A consistent performer he was an NZ U20 player in 2013 and a Maori All Black in 2017. He made his debut for the Highlanders in 2016 playing 18 games to date.
"I’m loving my time down South with the Highlanders, I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to re-sign with this very proud club. I have been fortunate to play with and learn from some of the best in the game. I’m excited to be able to continue to grow as a player and contribute wherever I can to the Highlanders in the future" said Walden.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark is happy with the signings: "This is another step forward for the club in putting together a competitive group for 2019 and beyond; both Elliot and Tei will provide us with the consistency and experience we are looking for in our squad,"
