Fabian Holland is pushing the norms of rugby in New Zealand.
At just 20 years old, he's become the first Dutch-born player to be given a full Super Rugby contract.
"During the signing, I had mum and dad on the phone actually on FaceTime while I was signing, it's like the little moments that matter," he said.
It took a huge leap of faith to make his professional rugby dream a reality, moving to the other side of the world at only 16 years old.
"When I first came I didn't really know anyone," Holland said. "When I started playing footy at 6 years old, I tried to watch all the games, all the Super Rugby games."
He started with a six-month stint at Christchurch Boys' High.
"I asked 'Would you let a Dutch kid have a crack down there?' And they did," Holland said.
He stayed on to finish high school, age group teams followed and eventually signed for Otago.
The Highlanders had Holland in their sights for 2024 but injuries to their squad meant he made his debut in 2022.
"He was a stand out really - he has physical attributes for a young man and just his mentality towards the game," Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.
His next match coincided with a visit from his family.
"[It] had been three years and I hadn't seen them in a while," Holland said.
Standing at just over two metres, he's the equal tallest player in the squad. His ultimate goal is just as lofty.
"My big-term goal is to chase that black jersey one day," Holland said.
So committed, he's put university studies on hold.
"The decision to put [my] study on a bit of a hold and focus on rugby was a tough one but kind of an easy one," Holland said.
