Fabian Holland is a professional rugby player who plays as a lock for New Zealand’s All Blacks. Since his breakthrough in 2025, Holland has been one of the most promising young players in New Zealand. On the club level, he plays for the Highlanders in New Zealand.
Born in the Netherlands, Fabian Holland’s journey is one of its own. A life filled with passion and dedication led him to New Zealand, where he sought a rugby career. Coming from the Netherlands, Fabian Holland commands a strong following off the pitch. His lifestyle, family, and general off-rugby activities also make him a different guy altogether.
SUMMARY
Full name: Fabian Holland
Date of birth: 9 October 2002
Age: 23 years
Place of birth: Alkmaar, North Holland, Netherlands
Children: none
Father: Reinout Holland
Sibling (s): Franka Holland
Height: 2.04 m
Weight: 124 kg
EARLY LIFE – FABIAN HOLLAND’S JOURNEY FROM THE NETHERLANDS TO NEW ZEALAND
Born on 9 October 2002, Fabian grew up in a rugby family with firm support. His father, Reinout, was always present in his life, supporting him with his mother.
At 5, Fabian was already playing rugby with his sister, Franka Holland. Years later, both Fabian and Franka are professional rugby players, with the latter playing in the Netherlands.
After years of skill development, Holland reached a point where he wanted a bigger challenge. At 16, he decided to attend school in New Zealand to further his development. He joined Christchurch Boys’ High School in 2019 with the idea of staying for 6 months.
In New Zealand, he came and stayed with his host parents, Liz and Lee Piper, in Dunedin.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the COVID-19 lockdowns came, and Fabian had to stay longer. During that time, he impressed at Christchurch and found a place in the New Zealand junior rugby teams.
CAREER
After impressing in high school, Fabian Holland played for the New Zealand under-20 team in 2021. He also represented the Barbarians in 2024 and the All Blacks XV.
In 2021, he joined the Highlanders development team, and he impressed beyond measure. He went on to sign his first professional contract the following year. He also played for Otago, where he continues to show his quality.
A couple of years later, Fabian Holland became a big name in the New Zealand rugby corridors. After a series of consistent performances, Fabian Holland received his first call-up to the All Blacks in June 2025.
In that same year, he impressed and even played in all of the Rugby Championship games. Thanks to his top performances, Fabian Holland won the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2025. He won the award over other promising youngsters like Ethan Hooker, Henry Pollock and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
After such success, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson praised him. “Fabian’s story is like something out of a movie. He grew up in the Netherlands dreaming of playing for a team on the other side of the world, took the brave step of moving to New Zealand at 16, and then made his dream a reality. None of this is by chance or luck; Fabian works incredibly hard to meet his goals and is one of the most determined and focused players I have come across. It is that work ethic that will see him continue to succeed,” he said.
“We are just so proud of him and so pleased for him and his family to receive this special acknowledgement of what he has achieved this year,” he continued.
Adding to that, he was also nominated for the All Blacks player of the year alongside veteran Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard and Quinn Tupaea.
FABIAN HOLLAND’S HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
One thing that sets the talented lock apart is his physical attributes. The All Blacks described him, saying his size, work ethic, and athleticism quickly stood out.
Standing tall at 2.04 m, he is among the tallest players both in the All Blacks squad and in the world. Additionally, Fabian Holland weighs 124 kg, making him a strong lock.
FABIAN HOLLAND’S LIFE OUT OF RUGBY
Unlike some rising athletes, Fabian seemed to be a cut from a different tree. He rarely shares much from his personal life. He only loves sharing rugby-related stuff about the All Blacks and his club.