Josh Bekhuis, the captain of the SBS Bank Southland Stags, is set to make his return to the Highlanders in Super Rugby after eight long years. The 36-year-old lock forward has been named in the starting line-up for the Highlanders' clash against the Western Force on Rugby Park this Sunday.

Bekhuis has a long and distinguished career in Super Rugby, having played 82 games for the Highlanders between 2009 and 2014 before joining the Blues in 2015/16. Following Super Rugby, Bekhuis made the move to Lyon making 38 appearances over three seasons before moving to Japan to further his rugby pathway. Some would have been fair in saying that the move marked the end of Super Rugby for the Southland stalwart, although after his return to the NPC is 2022, he made his intentions of once again making the field in Super Rugby clear.

Bekhuis has been in fine form for the SBS Bank Southland Stags in the Bunnings NPC, where he has been leading the team from the front. He has been a rock in the scrum and has been effective in the lineouts. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and he has earned his place in the Highlanders' starting lineup.

What makes this occasion even more special is that Bekhuis will run out onto the field as one of the most capped players in the Highlanders side. He is a proven performer at this level and his experience and leadership will be invaluable to his team at a time where fans and players alike have had a far from ideal start to the season, with the Southland crowd ready to help shift the fortunes at Rugby Park on Sunday.

The fact that Bekhuis will be playing on Rugby Park, his home ground along with All Black and Southland prop Ethan de Groot, adds an extra layer of excitement to the occasion. He will have the support of the home crowd behind him and will be looking to put in a strong performance for his team.

Sunday will also be Ethan de Groot’s first First Class game in Invercargill since making the All Blacks.