Woodward chases All Black dream

Wellington-born outside back Jason Woodward will leave the Rebels at the end of the season after signing with the Hurricanes.

The 24-year-old has signed a two year deal with the club, after being a key member of the Rebels for the past two seasons.

Woodward said although he would be leaving Melbourne with a heavy heart, returning home to be part of the Hurricanes was an offer he couldn’t turn down.

“Being a Wellington boy, having the opportunity to return home and fulfil my childhood dream of being a Hurricane was an opportunity I couldn't pass up,” he said.

“Along with achieving that dream, I do have ambitions of becoming an All Black and am stoked to be able to give myself the best opportunity possible at reaching these goals.”

Woodward said he had learnt a lot during his time at the Rebels, and was looking forward to bringing that experience to the Hurricanes in the coming season.

Woodward played his first provincial season with the Wellington Lions in 2011, before taking up a super rugby contract with the Rebels in 2013. He was also a member of the 2010 New Zealand U20 side who won the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.

Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni said the club was thrilled Woodward had decided to come home.

“We’ve all watched him develop, firstly with Upper Hutt, then the Wellington Lions, and also during his time at the Rebels. He’s taken massive strides as a player and we’re certainly looking forward to seeing him run on in the Hurricanes jersey.

“He’s an outstanding fullback, he can play on the wing, and he can also kick goals, so he ticks a lot of boxes for us in addition to being a homegrown Wellington talent.”