Lions lock answers Hurricanes SOS
TRANSFER NEWS: In a rare move, New Zealand franchise the Hurricanes signed South African lock Andries Ferreira.
The former Lions second row forward – who had just come off contract at the Johannesburg-based franchise – is a replacement for injured Sam Lousi.
The Hurricanes were looking short of options after a pectoral tear last month sidelined Lousi for the season, but coach John Plumtree put his experience working in South Africa to good use and recruited Ferreira.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the way Andries plays and approaches the game and we believe he is going to be a great asset to the squad,” Plumtree said.
“We have been really happy with the work of our young guys in the first three games and we think Andries will bring some real experience and help develop the guys around him.
“It’s really bad luck for Sam who is a really important member of our squad and we are grateful he is still around to contribute off the field.”
🔒 @AndriesF4 pic.twitter.com/Bm7lhOXWye
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) March 3, 2019
Ferreira, 28, has previously played Super Rugby for the Cheetahs and Lions, as well as completing club stints in France, Italy and Japan.
New Zealand’s five Super Rugby franchises generally prefer to recruit locally but exceptions can be made if a side lacks a player in a specialist position and no local is available to fill the spot.
The Hurricanes said Ferreira will be available for Friday’s match against the Highlanders in Wellington.
The 28-year-old arrived in Wellington this past Saturday and joined the squad on Sunday for his first training run.
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