Blues first-five Bryn Gatland's southern shift has been confirmed, with the Highlanders announcing he's signed on a two-year deal.
Gatland has been earmarked to replace departing All Blacks pivot Lima Sopoaga, who is set to join English club Wasps at the end of the current Super Rugby season.
The 22-year-old has struggled to win gametime in Auckland, left out of the squad entirely for the struggling side's past two games after a lengthy stint on the bench.
Gatland will be joined at the Highlanders by young loose forward Marino Mikaele Tu'u, who has already played once for the Highlanders this season as an injury replacement.
Fijian winger Tevita Nabura has also been brought on board fulltime after impressing at the Brisbane 10s.
"These guys have already shown a lot of potential at Super Rugby level this season we are confident that the more time they spend in our programme the more their game will grow. All three are great prospects for the future," said Highlanders CEO Roger Clark in a statement.
The Highlanders will host the Lions on Saturday.
Newshub.
