The Highlanders have announced the signing of fly-half Bryn Gatland and loose forward Marino Mikaele Tu’u for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Blues fly-half Gatland will add some depth to the Highlanders number ten stocks as the long serving Lima Sopoaga departs for Wasps in the Premiership.

Gatland, who plays his provincial rugby for North Harbour, also played for the NZ Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions last year. An enterprising young player he is fashioning a reputation as a quality goal kicker.

He will be joined at the club by robust young flanker, Tu’u, who has already played once for the Highlanders this season as an injury replacement. A product of the Hawkes Bay, he was a member of the 2018 World Cup winning U20 side, a sizable loose forward who can play in all three back-row positions.

Tevita Nabura has also signed as a fully contracted player for 2019; a hard-running Fijian winger who made a big impression at this year’s Brisbane global 10s.

“These guys have already shown a lot of potential at Super Rugby level this season we are confident that the more time they spend in our programme the more their game will grow. All three are great prospects for the future.” said Highlanders CEO Roger Clark.