Pita Ahki
Elusive back Pita Ahki will be 1 player to fill the Hurricanes’ midfield following the departure of Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu and Rey Lee-Lo.
Nonu has signed for French giants Toulon while centre partner Smith has joined Pau, who have been promoted to the French Top 14 next season.
Capable to play at No 12 or No 13, Ahki has signed a 2-year deal with the club, having been with the Blues since 2013.
At 179cm and 96kg, the 22-year-old has built an impressive CV since leaving Kelston Boys High School. He was snapped up by North Harbour as an 18-year-old in 2011, played for Tonga’s Under 20 side the same year, New Zealand’s Under 20 the following year and the New Zealand Sevens in 2013 and 2014.
Ahki was in the Blues development side in 2013 and made his Super Rugby debut last season with 9 appearances.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Ahki would be a great addition to work alongside Matt Proctor and Vince Aso in the midfield space, while the club still had 1 more midfield player to sign for 2016.
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