Fabian Holland has played his first rugby since February, completing 40 minutes for Otago in their 78-14 NPC win over Heartland side Mid Canterbury at Molyneux Park in Alexandra — a result that also served as the province's first Ranfurly Shield defence of 2026.
The 23-year-old lock dislocated his shoulder during the Highlanders' pre-season fixture against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown and missed the entire Super Rugby Pacific campaign. All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie had flagged earlier this month that Holland would use Otago's early NPC matches to prove his fitness before squad selection for the South Africa tour.
Holland made 12 Test appearances in 2025, including 10 starts, and was named World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year. His availability will be a significant factor in New Zealand's lock depth for the three-Test series against the Springboks, scheduled for Johannesburg (twice) and Cape Town, with the All Blacks' Greatest Rivalry tour opening against the Stormers at DHL Stadium on August 7.