SJC Rugby supporters may have to get used to cheering on the Highlanders this season - our very own Liam Coombes-Fabling makes his Super Rugby debut with them this Saturday vs the Hurricanes at the Cake Tin. Liam had an outstanding NPC 2021 season on the Waikato wing, which earned him a spot in the Chiefs Training Squad over summer. He must have caught Highlander's coach Tony Brown's eye, who picked him up to strengthen his wing options for the Southerners.  On selecting him for this weekend's match Brown noted that  “Liam has earned his opportunity with three good weeks of training; he has a high work rate and provides x-factor on the edge.”  

Liam played 1st XV rugby for St John's College at 1st Five, and was Deputy Head Boy in 2016. He's developed his game through club rugby and is a specialist 7s player, earning a callup to train alongside the NZ 7s squad last year prior to their Olympic tournament. Liam has nearly completed a building apprenticeship, with the final stages on hold now that professional rugby has come a'calling.

We're excited to have an Old Boy back in Super competition- congratulations and enjoy your debut match Liam!