The ultimate test of strength and skill is set for a historic showdown as the Sir Eion Edgar Southern Hemisphere Highlander Championship returns to the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games.
For the first time in five years, a powerhouse Australian team will cross the ditch to challenge New Zealand’s finest for the coveted ‘Southern Hemisphere Highlander’ title of overall champion. The titanic clash will unfold in Te Marae o Hine (The Square), Palmerston North, on Sunday, 15th March 2026.
Event organiser and former competitor, Jono Macfarlane, says the trans-Tasman rivalry promises an unforgettable spectacle.
“Made famous at iconic Highland Games in Hororata, Waipu and Paeroa, this is your only chance to see these awesome athletes from both sides of the Tasman compete to decide our new overall champion,” said Macfarlane. “The return of the Ozzies raises the stakes for the Kiwis and the intensity of each athlete. We’re in for a raw display of power, precision, and grit.”
TEAM NEW ZEALAND
- Adam Miller (Reigning Champion) – Palmerston North: The undefeated king, Miller has won four Southern Hemisphere Highlander Championships. The probation officer combines his strongman prowess, including a 400kg deadlift, with Highland Games mastery to dominate the field.
- Craig Manson – Ashburton: The reigning NZ Highland Games Champion and Rural Games record holder for the Light Weight for Distance. A former national gumboot-throwing champion, the plasterer is a formidable all-rounder with a favourite event in the mighty caber toss.
- Jarna Mihaere – Dannevirke: A dominant force in strength sports, Mihaere holds the NZ Rural Games stone record and comes fresh off victories at Pacific Strongest 2025 and Natural New Zealand Strongest 2025. He’s likely to have the mightiest support crew with the team from Iron Brothers, a Pacifica Strongman Club, on hand to cheer him on.
TEAM AUSTRALIA
- Luke Reynolds – Sydney: A veteran with over 130 contests across 18 years, Reynolds returns to the Games as the Australian team leader. A Pro-level athlete in strongman, highland games, and armlifting, he has won 3x at the Bundanoon Stones of Strength and competed at the Arnold Pro Strongman. He’s competed at the Rual Games before, and we hope Palmy gets behind this legend who is just as at home lifting weights and throwing cabers as he is on the big screen, having been in numerous film productions that require muscle.
- Bradman Houston – Sydney: A rising star on a rapid ascent, Houston placed 3rd at Australia’s Strongest Man in the past year, made his pro international strongman debut, and finished 2nd at the Australian Highlander Championships. The former basketball player has transitioned powerfully into strength sports over the past four years.
- Lachlan Page – Adelaide: A fearsome convert from elite discus throwing, Page brings explosive power and technical precision. In just two-and-a-half years, he has become a multiple Highland Games champion across Australia and placed 4th at the prestigious 2025 Hororata Oceania Championship.
The athletes will battle across traditional heavy events, including the caber toss, hammer throw, weight for distance, and a new one for 2026 Stone Round (three head-to-head challenges involving stone lifting and throwing) pushing the limits of human strength and skill.
Event Details
- Sir Eion Edgar Southern Hemisphere Highlander Championship, thanks to TransAg and New Holland
- Te Marae o Hine (The Square), Palmy
- Sunday, 15th March 2026
- Watch Previous Action: For a taste of the spectacle, watch highlights from previous Games – visit TVNZ+ or YouTube and search rural games.
The Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games celebrates the skills, strength, and spirit of rural athletes and rural New Zealand. It has a packed programme of family-friendly, free entertainment throughout the weekend, with rolling sports championships.