Michael Loft

Michael Loft (born 11 November 1999) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for Highlanders and Taranaki. His preferred position is flanker.^[1]

Michael Loft

Date of birth	(1999-11-11) 11 November 1999 (age 25)
Place of birth	New Zealand
Height	188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight	101 kg (223 lb; 15 st 13 lb)
School	New Plymouth Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker Current team Highlanders, Taranaki Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2022– Taranaki 25 (5) 2025– Highlanders 1 (0) Correct as of 29 March 2025

Early career

Loft attended New Plymouth Boys' High School where he captained the rugby team and earned selection for the Chiefs U18 side.^[2] He plays his club rugby for New Plymouth Old Boys.^[3]

Professional career

Loft has represented Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship since 2022, being named in their squad for the 2024 Bunnings NPC.^[4] He was called into the Highlanders squad as a short term replacement in January 2025.^[5] He was called into the full squad ahead of the Round 7 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, making his debut against the Brumbies.^[6]