The Highlanders have announced Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hugh Renton will serve as co-captains for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Fijian-born wing Tavatavanawai has become a key figure in the Highlanders' backline since joining the team last year, while Renton is a seasoned loose forward, having been with the team since 2021.
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Known for his explosive power, ability to break tackles and force turnovers, Tavatavanawai has been a regular starter for the Highlanders, previously with Moana Pasifika and the Tasman Mako in recent seasons.
His inclusion as co-captain reflects his growing on-field influence on the team and the respect he commands from his teammates.
Renton brings his work ethic, hard-hitting defence and tactical awareness to the captaincy role. His leadership will be integral to the team's defensive strength, making him a good fit for the role of co-captain.
It is not the first time Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has appointed a back and a forward as co-captains, the championship-winning side of 2015 had Nasi Manu and Ben Smith as team leaders
Joseph expressed his confidence in the leadership duo, and their ability to share the responsibility and workload of leadership, stating:
"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," Joseph said.
"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."
Joseph added that 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.”
Both Tavatavanawai and Renton have expressed their excitement and honour at being named co-captains.
"It’s a real privilege for me to be asked to lead this team with Hugh. 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," Tavatavanawai said.
Renton added, "I’m very humbled to be named co-captain, and 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”.
The Highlanders open their season against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on February 14 (kick-off 9.35pm). They face Moana Pasifika at Albany on January 31 and the Crusaders in Invercargill on February 6 in pre-season matches.