Highlanders sign Chiefs No 10 Josh Jacomb for 2027 and 2028

Wednesday, 8 October 2025

The All Blacks coach hailed his team's mental toughness after beating the Wallabies in the wet in Perth.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says Jacomb has ‘untapped potential’.
Playmaker was keen on move next year but is under contract in Hamilton.
Next year is crucial for No 10s with tour of South Africa on calendar.

The Highlanders have signed Taranaki and Chiefs No 10 Josh Jacomb on a two-year deal, but he will not join the Dunedin-based club until 2027.

The Highlanders and the Chiefs have been engaged in a tug-of-war for Jacomb, who is under contract at the Chiefs for 2026 but has had his path blocked by the presence of All Blacks No 10 Damian McKenzie.

But Jacomb looks set to serve out the remaining year of his contract in Hamilton next year before shifting to the Highlanders in 2027 and 2028.

“I’ve learned a lot at the Chiefs, especially working alongside someone like D-Mac but I feel I’m ready to take the next step in my career and hopefully play a more prominent role,” Jacomb said in a statement.

“I believe a move to the Highlanders is the best place for me to do that.

Taranaki No 10 Josh Jacomb in action against Canterbury last weekend.

“I know that I will have to continue to work hard as they already have some good young talent down there, but I am genuinely excited by the prospect of playing for the Highlanders.”

The 24-year-old, who has been the form No 10 in the NPC for Taranaki, is very much an All Blacks contender who is well regarded by New Zealand Rugby.

The Post understands that Jacomb has already rebuffed a significant offer from a Japanese club to remain in New Zealand.

It is understood that Jacomb was keen to make the switch to the Highlanders immediately, especially with the All Blacks set to tour South Africa next year.

NZ Rugby has earmarked that tour as a develop opportunity for the next-in-line All Blacks No 10, and Jacomb will be desperate for plenty of game time in Super Rugby Pacific to push his claims.

Josh Jacomb has been stuck behind All Blacks No 10 Damian McKenzie for the past two years at the Chiefs.

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said in a statement: “We believe Josh has some untapped potential that we can help him realise. He’s hungry, driven, and ready to lead.

“We’re very excited to see what he can accomplish with us and also what he can contribute to our team performances over the coming seasons.”

“I think this is a strong signing for us and aligns perfectly with our broader club strategy of building depth and competition in all positions - growing individual players and the team as a whole.”

In March, the Chiefs re-signed McKenzie until 2029, although he has a sabbatical clause for the 2028 season.

The Chiefs have the option of using McKenzie at fullback next year, although they are already stacked in the back three with All Blacks Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter, as well as Etene Nanai-Seturo and new recruit Kyren Taumoefolau.

The Highlanders have Otago No 10 Cameron Millar and Tasman’s Taine Robinson on their books for 2026, and it is understood that former Australian Schoolboys star Reesjan Pasitoa could also join the southerners.

Pasitoa, 23, played for the Brumbies and Western Force before joining Northland in the NPC this year. He can play at No 10, No 12 and No 13.

Wellington’s Stanley Solomon and Otago’s Finn Hurley are other options for the Highlanders at No 10 next year, although Millar’s recent form upswing in the NPC should build his confidence after a difficult Super Rugby Pacific campaign.