Malakai Fekitoa
Following his 2014 breakout season for the Highlanders and All Blacks, Malakai Fekitoa has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby for 2 years, extending his contract until at least the end of 2017.
Fekitoa’s commitment is a major coup for both New Zealand Rugby and the Highlanders and he joins a growing list of current All Blacks who have recommitted beyond this year.
He was 1 of only 4 players to play in all 17 Highlanders’ games last year, staking his claim on the No 13 jersey early with his eye-catching performance in the opening round of the 2014 Super Rugby Competition against his old team, the Blues.
He was also 1 of 2 players to play every possible minute for their team last season (1360 across 17 appearances), the other being Michael Hooper who played 1440, including the Final.
He was awarded the Sky TV Fan “Try of the Year” for his 50-metre effort against the Sharks in Durban, where he powered his way through numerous defenders to score under the posts. His outstanding Super Rugby form saw him picked for the All Blacks and he played 8 Tests in his debut year, including 6 starts.
Fekitoa said, “I’m so grateful that I’ve been given the opportunity to re-sign with the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby. I’m really excited to learn and play as much rugby as I can to become a better rugby player. I know opportunities like this don’t come around very often so I’m very grateful and ready for the challenge.”
Highlanders’ Head Coach Jamie Joseph said he was delighted that Fekitoa had re-signed and considered him a key member of the Highlanders’ backline that also includes All Blacks Aaron and Ben Smith.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen added, “It’s great to see young, talented players like Malakai committing themselves to New Zealand rugby. He made an impressive start to his international career last year and we look forward to watching him develop further this year.”
Highlanders’ Assistant Coach, Tony Brown said the re-signing of Fekitoa was fantastic news, “He is an exciting young player and a hard working team man. He works on developing his game and has incredibly high expectations of himself, he’s a true professional. We are delighted that he’s signed out to 2017.”
Highlanders’ General Manager Roger Clark added, “Getting Malakai’s signature means a great deal to the Highlanders, and his many fans. He is an exciting player who has the potential, in my view, to be one of our greatest players. Obviously he had a lot of options to choose from so his commitment to the Highlanders is significant”.
The 22-year–old has now played 8 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut in June 2014 (scoring 2 tries against South Africa and Australia) and 17 games for the Highlanders in his first season as a full contract Super Rugby player. Fekitoa burst on the scene as an 18-year-old at the National Sevens Tournament in 2011 where he was selected as the Player of the Tournament by All Blacks Sevens Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens.
Malakai Fekitoa in one of his 8 All Blacks tests in 2014