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Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton will co-captain the Highlanders for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the Dunedin-based team announced in a statement today.
Fijian-born winger Tavatavanawai, 26, joined the team from Moana Pasifika in 2024, while seasoned loose forward Renton, 28, has been with the Highlanders since 2021.
It's not the first time that head coach Jamie Joseph has appointed a back and a forward as co-captains — the 2015 title-winning team had Nasi Manu and Ben Smith in the same roles.
He said he was confident in the leadership duo and their ability to share the responsibility and workload of leadership.
"Jim (Timoci) and Hugh embody the qualities we are looking for in our leaders – passion, commitment, and the ability to inspire others with their actions or words.
"They both bring unique strengths to the table, and I believe they will complement each other well as co-captains.
"I’m excited to see them lead the team through what promises to be an exciting season."
He said the co-captains would be supported by a strong leadership group.
"Leadership is a collective thing and this team has already clearly indicated amongst themselves which direction they all want to head this season. Our leadership group will have the joint responsibility of helping Jim and Hugh uphold the standards of performance and integrity of the team on and off the field."
In a statement, Renton said he was "very humbled" to be named as co-captain.
"I’m excited to work with Jim and the leadership group to help the team achieve our collective goals. It’s a role I take very seriously, and I am looking forward to the responsibility of co-captaining a team that means a lot to me."
Tavatavanawai said it was a "real privilege" to be asked to lead the team alongside Renton.
"I am looking forward to contributing to the team’s growth and success in any way I can, and working closely with my co-captain, teammates and the coaches."
The Highlanders play their first pre-season match against Moana Pasifika next Friday and then head to Invercargill to play the Crusaders on Waitangi Day.
