Nikora Broughton

An energetic loose forward on the Highlanders' roster, Nikora Broughton was born on 9 May 2001 and plays his rugby in Super Rugby Pacific with the Dunedin-based franchise. Broughton is a flanker whose game is built on a strong defensive work rate and effectiveness at the breakdown, where he looks to apply pressure on opposition ball and win turnovers. His tackling and energy around the field suit the aggressive, high-tempo style associated with the Highlanders' forward play. As a contributor to the team's loose-forward stocks, Broughton offers defensive grit and the willingness to do the hard, repeatable work that underpins a functioning pack. The southern franchise has long valued forwards prepared to graft for the full eighty minutes, and Broughton's appetite for the contest fits that tradition. Pushing for regular selection in a competitive back row means continuing to sharpen his breakdown technique and decision-making under pressure, and his development is geared towards those areas. He continues to round out his all-round game as he looks to cement a consistent role in the Highlanders' matchday squads and establish himself at Super Rugby level.