Western Force replace Wallaby with rising Highlanders halfback

Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie will return to Australia’s shores from next season, signing a two-year deal with the Western Force. Hastie was born in Perth and played club rugby for Wanneroo before heading offshore to New Zealand.

After moving to Dunedin as a teenager in 2018, Hastie was given an opportunity in the NPC with Otago in 2021 before later debuting for the Highlanders. Hastie initially joined the Highlanders as an injury replacement, playing at Super Rugby level for the first time against the Force.

The former New Zealand U20’s halfback featured in a few Highlanders matches over two years before enjoying a breakout season in 2025. Hastie made nine appearances for the club last season, including seven starts and one try.

Sharks CC coach JP Pietersen talks about integrating their U20s (online-video-cutter.com)

Sharks CC coach JP Pietersen talks about integrating their U20s (online-video-cutter.com)

With the Force recently announcing the departure of Wallaby Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa to the Fijian Drua, Hastie’s addition to the squad is significant. While Hastie is Wallabies eligible, the scrum-half is focused on returning home to Western Australia.

“It feels like a full circle moment to be coming back and playing for the team I grew up watching,” Hastie said in a statement.

“I still remember my dad taking me to HBF Park to watch the Force – I always loved those rugby days. Now, having the chance to play for them myself is something I’m truly excited and grateful for.

“To me, this is a great chance to grow my game, learn off experienced campaigners, work towards higher honours, and represent the city that’s always been home – all while playing in front of the people who’ve supported me from the start.

“The Force are a dangerous team. I’m really looking forward to bringing my own skills and energy to this team.”

Hastie started 2025 with a start against the NSW Waratahs at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, before coming on as a replacement the following week in Auckland. That 19-minute cameo off the bench wasn’t exactly a sign of things to come, as Hastie locked down the starting job.

Under world-renowned coach Jamie Joseph, Hastie featured in the starting side in five matches on the bounce, which included a try against Moana Pasifika. Hastie also started against the Hurricanes, Queensland Reds, ACT Brumbies and Force.

Hastie is primed for another provincial season with Otago. The 24-year-old will head west after the NPC season, with that competition set to get underway on Thursday – with Hastie’s Otago starting their campaign against southern rivals Southland on Saturday afternoon.

“We’re always looking at Australian players, where they are and what they’re doing. We’re trying to attract some of those players back into Australia like Harry Potter and Nick Champion de Crespigny who’ve both gone on to debut for the Wallabies,” Force coach Simon Cron added.

“Hastie has an amazing skillset, with a great pass and he can kick both feet. He’s very driven and at 24 years of age, he has plenty to give to the west for years to come.

“We see Nathan as a guy who’ll push everybody for that starting spot. He has the skillset to be genuinely great as a nine.”