Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

Highlanders Confirm ACL Rupture Rules Dylan Pledger Out of 2026 Season

The 20-year-old prospect now faces surgery followed by up to a year of rehabilitation.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 25: Zach Gallagher of Canterbury is tackled by Dylan Pledger of Otago (L) while he fends off Cameron Millar of Otago during the NPC Final match between Canterbury and Otago at Apollo Projects Stadium, on October 25, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The club said the halfback suffered the injury at training and will miss the entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
  • Officials specified a ruptured ACL with a recovery window of up to 12 months after the operation.
  • Pledger said he is incredibly disappointed and will focus on rehabbing and his studies during the layoff.
  • With Pledger sidelined, Folau Fakatava and Adam Lennox are the Highlanders’ two fit halfbacks.
  • The U20 vice-captain impressed for Otago in 2025 with eight tries in 11 NPC matches, a run that helped lift the Ranfurly Shield.