Soane Vikena

Soane Vikena, born on 7 January 2001, is a flanker on the books of the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific, where he is working to establish himself as a regular in a competitive back-row rotation. Vikena's game is anchored by a high work rate and a strong defensive presence: he tackles with intent, chases hard and looks to be involved in as many phases as possible. His ability to compete for turnover ball at the breakdown is a particular asset, giving the Highlanders a route back into possession and an extra layer of pressure on opposition attacks. As a developing player, he offers the combativeness and energy that loose-forward play demands, and he continues to add the consistency and tactical awareness needed to nail down a settled role. Dependable in defence and willing in the contact area, Vikena is the kind of forward who does the hard, often unseen work that underpins a pack's platform, and his steady progress within the Dunedin-based franchise marks him as a combative option in the loose.