Highlanders sign Hemopo to new deal

Cape Town - The Highlanders have signed Jackson Hemopo for three more years, as the versatile forward continues to climb the ladder at the franchise.

The 22-year-old, who can play in the second-row or on the flank, will be in the wider training group in 2017 but then the main squad from 2018.

Hemopo has played one Super Rugby game in his career, which came in 2015, and has been playing for Manawatu in this year's Mitre 10 Cup.

"I have been in Dunedin for the last five years so it has really become like my second home," he told Stuff about his current situation. "But I did not get to see my family much. Signing with Manawatu meant that I got to catch up with my family quite a bit."

He added on the Highlanders: "It is a good environment there and I am looking forward to making the most of it.

"The whole management and coaching set up is really good. The leadership is good with the senior boys taking control and there is a good brotherhood."