Hurricanes sign former All Black Tamati Ellison on two-year deal – Rugby News
Dunedin based New Zealand Super Rugby franchise, Hurricanes, has announced the signing of the former All Blacks international utility back, Tamati Ellison, to mark his return to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). Officials have confirmed the signing of Ellison to a two-year deal on Monday, September 12. The deal will also allow Ellison to represent Otago in NZRU’s domestic Rugby Union competition, the Air New Zealand Cup.
Ellison will join Highlanders after he decided not to extend his current contract with Japanese Football Rugby Union outfit Ricoh Black Rams.
Highlanders head coach, Jamie Joseph, has expressed his excitement on the signing of the versatile backs player. He termed his signing as an important addition for the team particularly keeping in view the fact that he can play at different positions, which gives the team extra depth.
Providing the details regarding the factors that prompted, Ellison to re-join NZRU, Joseph said, “He left prematurely; leaving at 25 or 26 to go to Japan was a bit of a shock for everyone having just made the All Blacks. He's got over there and he's still got that desire, that fire in the belly to be an All Black and that's the reason why he wanted to come home.”
Commenting on his relationship with Ellison, Joseph added, “When you coach these guys for years, you get to know them. He was one of my captains at Wellington so I've got a reasonably good relationship with Tamati.”
Joseph added that he and Ellison met during Christmas last year and held their initial discussions. He added that Ellison expressed his desire to return to NZRU and play for the All Blacks.
Earlier, Ellison left the NZRU after making his international debut for the All Blacks against Italy in 2009. He joined the Ricoh Black Rams and termed the financial aspect as the main reason for his decision.
The Wellington born Ellison started his rugby union career with the Wellington Lions in 2003. He made 33 appearances for Lions and scored 61 points for them. He made his Super Rugby debut for Blues in 2005. He joined the Hurricanes in 2006 and remained with them, before signing for Rams at the end of the 2009 Super Rugby season.
The 28-year-old Ellison has progressed his way up towards the NZRU development structure. He has represented All Blacks at Under-19s, Under-21s, Junior All Blacks and New Zealand Maoris, before making his international debut for the All Blacks.
In addition to Ellison, Highlanders next season’s signings also include Hose Gear, Jamie Mackintosh and Kendrick Lynn.
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