Netherlands-born Fabian Holland locking in on his 'All Blacks dream'

At Highlanders HQ, it's hard to miss the towering lock Fabian Holland.

Standing at 2.04m it's safe to say he is big.

But big is a theme for the Dutch-born rugby player with a story that's made up of even bigger dreams.

"My dream has always been to wear a black jersey," he said.

"I always watched the All Blacks when I was growing up, like when I was six years old and I first got into rugby — as every kid, I was a massive fan."

But Holland's not quite like every other kid.

Yes. The 22-year-old had those backyard aspirations of kicking the winning goal for the All Blacks but that was from the fields of his homeland in the Netherlands.

Incredibly, he has pictures of himself wearing Highlanders kit even back then.

"Yeah I have some gems hidden away," he laughed.

"I was a massive fan, you know 2015 of course, with the team of Nasi [Nasi Manu], Banksy [Marty Banks], Nuggy [Aaron Smith] and Bender [Ben Smith].

"I used to watch all the Super Rugby Games when I was living there."

The Dutch weren't known for their rugby exports and so Holland made the bold move here in 2019.

A six-month stint at Christchurch Boys High School turned into a six-year journey — from being selected in NZ Secondary Schools to playing for the Baby Blacks.

He's back wearing that Highlanders kit in 2025, now in his third season with the southerners.

The Dutchman believes having a "point of difference" has been important in his rugby journey. While many would automatically think of his size, the 22-year-old is quick to point out he grew up playing at first five-eighth as a youngster.

"Yeah, you wouldn't think so with my boot," Holland laughed.

"But yeah, I always got taught to use my skill to beat defenders. So I try and still implement it here, even though I'm in the middle of the scrum, packing down, I still try to use it here and there.

"That's my point of difference and it's something I need to keep working on."

There was plenty of interest in Holland this season following his inclusion in the All Blacks training squad for the Northern Tour last year — brought in as injury cover.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has been impressed with Holland's fast trajectory.

"Fabian has come a long way in a short amount of time," said Joseph.

"He's come back very hungry, lots of energy wants to help and is hungry to reach his dreams."

Holland has had some conversations with All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, with the pair being familiar with each other from Holland's schooling days.

"Razor is a good man, he taught me a lot.

"It was awesome to work with Razor again and heaps of boys in the All Blacks got around me to make it the best experience of my life.

"He [Robertson] sat me down, same with Jase Ryan which was cool. So I have plenty of things to take away here in Highlanders season to work on with Jamie.

"It makes me hungry, makes me want to work and rip into the season with this Highlanders team and go to war with them."

The Highlanders open their Super Rugby 2025 campaign tonight against the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.