The SBS Bank Southland Stags are stoked to sign Southland’s Hayden Michaels for the next two NPC seasons. Hayden has captained Southland at age group level as well as been a key member of the Highlanders U20’s.

“It means everything to me”, said Michaels when asked about signing.

“As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to play for Southland. I was born here, grew up here and went to school here”.

At 20 years old, young Michaels, who earned his stripes at Gore High School, first started playing for Southland in 2014 in junior rep rugby.

He highlights his debut in 2021 as a special moment, knowing he had friends and family there to support.

For SBS Bank Southland Stags coach David Hall, having Hayden in club rugby for Blues and now the Stags, this season could prove to be a ground-breaking one for Hayden.

“We are excited that Hayden has committed with the Stags for 2022 and 2023 seasons. He is a player who has come through our pathway from a young age and has made every post a winner. Hayden has an appetite for hard work and leaves no stone unturned in his goal to become a professional rugby player”, said Hall.

“We look forward to seeing Hayden grow as a young man and a rugby player for the Stags over the next two seasons.”

Hayden will be in action for Blues Premiers in this season’s club rugby.

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