Will Stodart

Will Stodart is a young New Zealand flanker who has been working his way into the senior picture at the Highlanders, the Super Rugby Pacific franchise based in Dunedin. Born on 3 October 2003, he fits the traditional southern-province profile of a hard-working back-row forward. Stodart's game is built around relentless effort at the breakdown and a strong defensive presence — the prototypical openside skill set long valued in New Zealand rugby. Highlanders coaches have looked to him for the kind of grit and turnover threat that the franchise has historically prized in its loose forwards, in the tradition of southern opensides that have come through the region. Having made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders, Stodart is now in the period of his career where the focus is on converting early appearances into a settled role within the back-row rotation. New Zealand's strong production line at openside means competition for matchday spots is severe, and continued growth in the carrying and aerial sides of his game will help broaden his selection appeal. For Highlanders supporters, Stodart represents the kind of homegrown southern forward whose development is closely tied to the franchise's long-term identity in the back row at Forsyth Barr Stadium.