Hurricane on a Crusade in Cardiff
Cardiff Blues have secured the services of Super Rugby ace Rey Lee-Lo from the Hurricanes on a long-term deal.
The Samoan international centre, Lee-Lo, will make the move to Cardiff Arms Park at the end of the forthcoming Super Rugby season and join forces with former coach Mark Hammett at Cardiff Blues.
The 28-year-old – who has also played for Counties Manukau in New Zealand's NPC since 2009 – made his Super Rugby debut under the guidance of Hammett at the Hurricanes in 2013 and made 12 appearances, scoring one try, in his maiden season.
Highly-rated Lee-Lo is currently playing for Hurricanes, having re-signed for the Super Rugby giants from the Crusaders for the 2015 campaign.
The powerful centre made his international debut for Samoa during the 2014 year-end tour against Canada and started against England at Twickenham in November.
Director of Rugby Mark Hammett said Lee-Lo is a player he knows really well from their time together at the Hurricanes.
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I'm sure he will be a big asset to Cardiff Blues," Hammett said.
"One of his big strengths is that he's a powerful man while also being extremely agile and playing with real speed to his game. He's aggressive and, like many Polynesians, enjoys the contact area.
"I coached Rey at the Hurricanes back in 2013 when he was voted Rookie of the Year. That is no small feat when you consider he was competing against the likes of Conrad Smith and Tim Bateman, both outstanding players, for a starting spot in the team.
"Rey has improved every season and also learnt a great deal from his time spent with Tana Umaga at Counties Manukau. He will be determined to take this opportunity at Blues and be a big success in Wales."
Lee-Lo added: "I'm excited about the future move to the Northern Hemisphere to represent Cardiff Blues and the chance to once again play for Hammer.
"I obviously know him well from our time together at the Hurricanes and I'm delighted to be able to join him in Wales and look to bring success to the Blues.
"I've a big season ahead for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and also hope to play for my country in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. I will then start a new chapter in my career at the Blues.
"There are some fantastic players at the region and I know Hammer is keen to develop that further and bring success. I look forward to playing a major part in that story over the coming years."
