Folau Fakatava

Born in Tonga on 16 December 1999 and raised in New Zealand, Folau Fakatava has developed into one of Super Rugby's most exciting scrum-halves. A livewire at the base of the ruck, he pairs a sharp, accurate service with a dangerous sniping game and a tireless work rate that keeps the Highlanders' attack moving at high tempo. His sniping breaks and quick decision-making regularly stress defensive fringes, and his energy around the breakdown makes him a constant nuisance for opposition forwards. Fakatava made his All Blacks debut against Ireland in July 2022, adding international honours to a reputation built on consistent Super Rugby Pacific performances. Whether starting or injecting urgency off the bench, he is valued for the pace and creativity he brings, quickening the rhythm of a contest and challenging defensive structures. His blend of speed, game management and competitiveness has made him a key figure in the Highlanders' game plan and a half-back genuinely capable of changing the course of a match.