Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Highlanders have plucked another star winger out of Major League Rugby. Taniela Filimone will join the Super Rugby Pacific franchise from the NOLA Gold, reuniting with coach Cory Brown at the Dunedin-based franchise. Utah’s Michael Manson will join the same team.
Filimone was a revelation for the Gold in 2024, scoring 11 tries in 17 games after making the move from the New England Free Jacks. The 25-year-old’s form was rewarded with a test debut for Tonga against Italy in July. A starting role for Manawatu in the NPC followed and Filimone lined up against Romania for the Ikale Tahi in Bucharest this past weekend.
It’s a blow to the Gold, who had initially contracted Filimone through the 2027 campaign. Samoan international Ed Fidow will return on the left wing but there are now sizeable shoes to fill on the right side.
