Timoci Tavatavanawai, right, and Hugh Renton are the new Highlanders co-captains. Photo: Photosport
Jamie Joseph has named blockbusting winger Timoci Tavatavanawai and hard-working loose forward Hugh Renton as co-captains for the Highlanders in this year's Super Rugby competition.
They succeed Billy Harmon, last year's captain, who is now playing in Japan.
Joseph, who has taken over the Highlanders reins from Clarke Dermody, was head coach at the franchise from 2011 until 2016, before taking over the Japanese national side.
He has named a forward and back as co-captain before with great success, when loosie Nasi Manu and fullback Ben Smith were the leaders of the Highlanders side that won the 2015 competition.
Fijian-born Tavatavanawai was a big success for the Highlanders last year after having two seasons with Moana Pasifika.
The hard-tackling Renton has been with the Highlanders since 2021.
"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 in a team release.
"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."
Tavatavanawai said it was a privilege to be asked to lead the team with Renton.
"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."
Renton said he was humbled by the appointment.
"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' first pre-season game is against Moana Pasifika in Albany on 31 January, with a second game against the Crusaders in Invercargill on Waitangi Day.
Their opening Super Rugby game is against the Waratahs in Sydney on 14 February.
