Liam Squire

A dynamic loose forward, Liam Squire benefited from a shift south from the Chiefs to the Highlanders for 2016, earning the attention of the All Blacks selectors in his first season with the southernmost club, where his skills were very well-suited to the Highlanders’ style.

Originally from Manawatu, where he attended Palmerston North Boys High School, Squire made his provincial rugby debut in 2011 for the Tasman Makos. His first class debut was made even more remarkable, coming as it did after suffering a fractured spine playing club rugby in 2010, which required eight months away from rugby.

Squire – who comes from the Ngai Tahu iwi – was called into the Māori All Blacks for the first time for the 2013 North America Tour and made his debut against Canada in Toronto.

Investec Super Rugby selection followed for the 2014 season, with Squire going on to play 10 matches across two seasons with the Chiefs before his shift south. In 2015, he missed just one game for the Makos, with his strong ball carrying heavily utilised by the team as they made the semifinals of the Premiership for the second year running.