The Highlanders will face the Sunwolves for the first time in Super Rugby tonight and for some players, it means an emotional reunion.
In this Facebook video posted to the Highlanders Facebook page this morning, lock Joe Wheeler dedicates a song 'Haro from the otherside' to former team mate FumiakiTanaka.
Tanaka, 31, had been with the Highlanders since 2013 before leaving for the Sunwolves this season, and established himself as a fan favourite, despite failing to displace All Black Aaron Smith as first-choice halfback during that time.
The livewire halfback has played 58 times for the Japanese national side, and was a key figure in their historic 34-32 defeat of the Springboks at the 2015 World Cup.
Tanaka was also twice voted as the 'cutest Super Rugby Player of the year' during his time in Dunedin.
KFC HIGHLANDERS TV 2017 episode 4 is now live!!!
WATCH as Joey expresses just how much he misses his former team-mate Fumiaki Tanaka who will be lining up for the opposition in tonight's first ever game against the Sunwolves in Invercargill.
Stay tuned right until the end, you will be glad you did 😉 🇳🇿 🇯🇵
#KeepItOooooon
