Fumiaki Tanaka Stays with Highlanders

In what will be a big boost, the Highlanders have announced that Japanese international halfback, Fumiaki Tanaka has re-signed with the Highlanders for 2014. Tanaka was one of the Highlanders standout players in last season's disappointing effort with superb displays coming off the bench, pushing incumbent All Black halfback, Aaron Smith.

Tanaka is set to become Japan's greatest ever rugby player at this stage - he has thankfully continued his stellar form for Otago in the ITM Cup this season.

Lock Tom Franklin

Along with Tanaka, the Highlanders have also signed Otago youngsters, loose forward, Gareth Evans and lock, Tom Franklin for the 2014 season. Evans and Franklin were key in Otago's Ranfurly Shield win earlier this year and have been very impressive this season in the ITM Cup.

Hopefully, the Highlanders - or some franchise in NZ - picks up captain Paul Grant who has shown his class and leadership this season and could be the sort of player they have lacked since Adam Thomson left this year.

Go Highlanders!