Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph spells out desire to keep No 10 Cameron Millar as decision on future nears
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Highlanders No 10 Cameron Millar is still to make a decision on his future but head coach Jamie Joseph is determined to keep him in Dunedin.
Millar will again wear the No 10 jersey for the Highlanders’ trip to the Blues in Auckland on Friday and is enjoying his most consistent Super Rugby campaign to date.
But the 23-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season ahead of Josh Jacomb’s arrival in Dunedin next year and The Post reported in February that there was “significant” interest in Millar both in New Zealand and overseas.
Joseph said on Wednesday that Millar’s future was still “undecided” but made it clear he wants him to stay.
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“We really want him to stay with us, and obviously we're getting Josh Jacomb next year,” he said.
“I feel that Cam will be in demand from all the clubs because he's such a good rugby player.
“We're just hopeful we'll get Cam.
“He's in their decision making process, which a lot of the players are around this time of the year.”
Millar faces a difficult call on his future.
The Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes all potentially have gaps at No 10 next year, while his strong game management would also be an excellent fit in European rugby.
But the Highlanders have shown a lot of faith in the Southlander this season and Millar will also know that if he stays he could get the chance to revive his excellent Otago partnership with halfback Dylan Pledger, who suffered an ACL injury before the campaign started.
Joseph said Millar was getting better with experience.
“First-fives take a lot of time,” he said. “They're in a tough position where they have to control the game.
“If the forwards don't play well, it makes the job harder.
“So, there's a lot of things that they have to rely on to happen for them to actually play really well, and I just think it just takes a bit of time.
“Cam is a prolific goal kicker. He's had a string of concussion injuries, which has affected his confidence at times, but he's back to his best now.
“We're really keen on keeping him because the club's invested a lot of time and energy and money into those younger players, and it's time to reap the reward from that.”
Highlanders: Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Adam Lennox; Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot . Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Xavier Tito-Harris, Finn Hurley