Captain Billy Harmon leads a Highlanders haka to acknowledge the final game of halfback Aaron Smith. Photo: photosport
Maori All Blacks flanker Billy Harmon has been retained as Highlanders captain ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said it was a straightforward decision to hand Harmon the leadership role of a young side.
"Billy leads by his actions - especially on the field. He's very measured around his delivery of messages and he's really calm, which is hugely important," Dermody said.
"He's one of our best players on the field and well respected by the team from what he did last year, and I know he's looking forward to leading the team again."
Harmon has played 34 games for the Highlanders since joining them in 2021 from the Crusaders.
Dermody said versatile back Sam Gilbert would be vice-captain while the remaining members of his player leadership group would be Ethan de Groot, Sean Withy, Jona Nareki, and newcomer Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
The Highlanders will face the Hurricanes in Dunedin on Saturday - their second pre-season match after beating Moana Pasifika 36-28 in Queenstown last week.
Dermody confirmed All Blacks prop de Groot would sit the match out and return for their final pre-season match against the Crusaders in Methven next week.