A highly-rated Highlanders scrumhalf has been ruled out of the entire 2026 season after suffering a serious knee injury at training.

The Super Rugby Pacific team confirmed on Monday that 20-year-old Dylan Pledger has ruptured his ACL and will face a lengthy rehabilitation period following surgery, sidelining him for up to 12 months.

This means his long-awaited Super Rugby debut will have to wait.

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It is a major blow for both player and franchise, with Pledger widely viewed as one of New Zealand rugby’s most exciting young No. 9s. A former vice-captain of the New Zealand U20 side, he burst onto the senior scene with Otago during a standout 2025 NPC campaign.

Pledger was a key figure as Otago lifted the Ranfurly Shield and powered their way to the NPC final in Christchurch. He scored eight tries in 11 appearances, starting 10 matches, and announced himself as a genuine attacking threat from the base of the scrum.

His form quickly placed him on the national radar, with fans touting him as an All Black-in-waiting and eagerly anticipating his first full Super Rugby season in 2026.

Instead, Pledger now faces a long road back.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to get a season-ending injury – as I was very excited about my first full season as a professional,” Pledger said in a statement.

“I guess I have learned early that part of being a professional rugby player is dealing with injury.

“My energy now will be put into rehabbing as best I can so I can come back in the best possible shape. I will be able to focus a bit more on my study too.”

2026 Super Rugby Pacific squads named

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