Joseph names four new Highlanders for 2011

Highlanders Coach Jamie Joseph has secured four new players - two rookies and two experienced hands - as he continues to shape a strong 2011 Investec Super Rugby squad mixed with potential and experience.

New Zealand Under 20s and Wellington Lions midfield back Shaun Treeby and Manawatu halfback Aaron Smith will play for the Highlanders next year after signing their first Super Rugby contracts. Joining them are two players who will be changing jersey colours next year; Manawatu flanker Nick Crosswell who played for the Hurricanes this year, and Taranaki loose forward Jarrad Hoeata, who played for the Chiefs, will both be heading south.

Smith and Hoeata both played under Joseph in the New Zealand Maori side that was unbeaten in the three-match Sealord Centenary Series this year. Joseph said together with Crosswell and Treeby, all four players will provide valuable depth and experience to the Highlanders.

“Just like our brand of Southern man, these men will be a great fit for the Highlanders’ campaign. We are lucky to have a good mix of emerging talent and experience.

“Aaron is a very talented player who will provide us with valuable depth next year and Nick is a proven uncompromising loose forward whose work-rate is impressive.

“Jarrad too is a strong and uncompromising player who I know will put in the hard yards to reward the faith and confidence the Highlanders are putting in him.

“Shaun has been an exciting midfielder in the past two seasons of provincial rugby and I believe he will comfortably make the step up to Super Rugby,” Joseph said.

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