Crusaders swoop for Lee-Lo

Hurricanes midfielder Rey Lee-Lo will be moving south to join the Crusaders on a two-year deal next season.

Lee-Lo played his debut Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes last year after being part of the Chiefs development squad in 2011. He will continue to play his provincial rugby with Counties Manukau.

"Lee-Lo has signed a two year contract to play for the Crusaders in the 2014 and 2015 Super Rugby seasons," Crusaders Chief Executive Hamish Riach said. "We look forward to embracing him in the Crusaders culture."

Crusaders head coach Todd Blackadder said Lee-Lo was an attractive prospect after solid seasons with both Counties and the Hurricanes.

"We looked carefully at his performance during this year's Super season, and he had some great statistics. He is a strong, physical back who will be a useful addition to our squad, bolstering our midfield stock," Blackadder said.

Lee-Lo said he was excited to be joining the Crusaders camp and looked forward to training and playing alongside some of New Zealand rugby's most experienced and highly-regarded players.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I could not pass up. I am really grateful for my time with the Hurricanes this year and the experience I gained alongside some first-class teammates and coaching staff. I now relish the opportunity to continue to develop my game in the Crusaders environment," Lee-Lo said.

Lee-Lo will move to Christchurch in time for the Crusaders pre-season starting in December.