Melani Nanai Announced as 9th Signing for Vancouver Highlanders
The Vancouver Highlanders have announced Melani Nanai as their 9th signing.
Melani is new to BC, according to Curry Hitchborn, “Melani plays his club rugby for @CapilanoRFC in the mens premiership. He and his family have moved to the community here and I am humbled to have him involved with @vanhighlanders . Those around him will improve through his character and playing ability.” He doesn’t show up in the Capilano fall rosters so we’re assuming he’s a new signing for the Caps and will play for them this spring.
Bryan Ray had this to add on Twitter, “Betcha didn’t expect to see a Super Rugby export in this squad! Nanai was supposed to play for New York, but after the fall-out is now living and working in Vancouver. He’s the first ‘import’ (i.e. not Canadian-eligible) player to join the Highlanders.”
According to the internet he’s a 30 year old Samoan player who has 5 caps for Samoa U20 going back to 2013. He’s played Super Rugby and NPC in New Zealand and for Worcester in the UK Premiership.
| Years | Team | Apps | (Points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2019 | Auckland | 35 | (60) |
| 2015−2019 | Blues | 64 | (80) |
| 2019-2022 | Worcester Warriors | 26 | (20) |
| 2023 | Crusaders | 1 | () |
| 2022-2023 | Bay of Plenty | 11 | (10) |
It’s a great signing for the Vancouver Highlanders, and for Capilano if he suits up with them this spring.