Midfielder Teihorangi Walden will head north for the next stage of his Super Rugby career.
The Highlanders back has inked a one-year deal with the Wellington-based franchise for 2022's inaugural season of Super Rugby Pacific.
After 33 games for the southerners since his 2016 debut, the Taranaki stalwart welcomes the opportunity to return to a team he'd represented at age-group level and has long held close to his heart.
"Growing up in Taranaki, I was always a Hurricanes supporter and was fortunate enough to play for the Hurricanes schoolboys team as a youngster," says Walden.
"After being side-lined with an injury last season, I am really looking forward to the new challenges ahead, and can’t wait to get down to the capital and link up with the boys.”
"It is a pleasure to be joining such an exciting playing group and management team at the Hurricanes. There is a great balance between impressive young talent and experienced players within the team, and I hope I can add some value to the environment.
"I am looking forward to testing myself and growing my own game."
The Māori All Blacks player will help fill the void in the Hurricanes midfield left by departed All Blacks juggernaut Ngani Laumape, who took up a deal with France's Stade Francais, after this year's Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Head coach Jason Holland says Walden will be a welcome addition to the Hurricanes environment for the 2022 Super Rugby Season.
"Tei is a player we have watched for a while," says Holland. "He has come back in great nick from an Achilles injury and will be a great addition to our group.
"He has a smart rugby brain and a complete skill set for a midfielder. Tei has played a lot of Super Rugby, and we think he will be influential on and off the field."
