The Hurricanes have called up Manawatu hooker Rob Foreman after an injuries to Motu Matu’u and Dane Coles.
The Hurricanes only have Ash Dixon as a recognised hooker available but prop Reggie Goodes able to cover the position as back-up.
Coles has a fractured eye socket and Matu’u fractured his forearm playing against the Stormers on the weekend.
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Foreman has played 79 matches for the Turbos and has also played for the Hurricanes development side last year but has never makde it into Super Rugby.
“I’m very excited. I’ve been playing ITM Cup for a few years now so it’s a good chance to get up to the next level and see what it’s like,” Foreman told Sportal.
Foreman was on the Gold Coast for his best friend’s wedding when he got the call but will now join up with the Hurricanes in South Africa.
“I’ve never been over there. I’ve never played a South African team. I’ve seen them on the TV and seen how big they look so if I get my chance I’ll be having to deal with some sizeable people,” he added.
The hooker returned from the Gold Coast on Sunday and then spent Monday with the Hurricanes medical staff before getting clearance to join the squad in South Africa for matches against the Bulls and Cheetahs.
“I had an operation about four and half weeks ago on my knee and had a bit of cartilage cleaned out. ”
“They just had to make sure I was good to go because I hadn’t played for a while,” said Foreman.
He will fly to South Africa on Wednesday but at this point he has no idea whether he will be named on the bench for this week’s match against the Bulls in Pretoria.
“The only people I’ve really been dealing with have been the medical staff just making sure I’m fit to go,” said the hooker.
“I really haven’t chatted to the coaches so I don’t really know my role. I’m just happy to help out wherever I can really.
“They obviously think I’m good enough to be there to do a job. If I get the opportunity I’ll do the best I can. If I’m there to help them train then I’ll do that the best I can.”