Hawke's Bay have pulled off a minor coup by swooping for three prominent players on the domestic rugby scene. Wellington first five-eighth Dan Kirkpatrick, Wellington prop Anthony Perenise and Tasman halfback Kahn Fotuali'i have all signed to play in this year's national provincial campaign.
Former New Zealand age group star Kirkpatrick, who hails from Hawke's Bay, was selected by the Blues for this year's Super 14. He will replace Highlanders No 10 Matt Berquist, who is likely to take up an overseas contract after this Super 14.
Fotuali'i is about to play his third season of Super rugby with the Crusaders while Perenise has been selected by the Hurricanes.
Hawke's Bay co-coach was equally pleased that 2009 All Blacks lock Bryn Evans and veteran flanker Michael Johnson have re-signed with the union for another year.
"The fact that players of their calibre see benefit in signing for us along with the fact that Bryn and Michael have re-signed is further proof that the environment in the Bay is positive and successful one and we are very determined to continue our push to be a strong competitive force in the rugby landscape," Coventry said.
NZPA