Injury-hit Hurricanes sign South African lock Ferreira
In a rare move, New Zealand Super Rugby club Wellington Hurricanes signed South African lock Andries Ferreira Monday as a replacement for injured second-rower Sam Lousi.
The Hurricanes were looking short of options after a pectoral tear last month sidelined Lousi for the season, but coach John Plumtree put his experience working in South Africa to good use and recruited Ferreira.
"I've got a lot of respect for the way Andries plays and approaches the game and we believe he is going to be a great asset to the squad," Plumtree said.
Ferreira, 28, has previously played Super Rugby for Golden Lions and Central Cheetahs -- who are no longer part of the competition -- as well as completing club rugby stints in France, Italy and Japan.
New Zealand's five Super Rugby clubs generally prefer to recruit locally but exceptions can be made if a side lacks a player in a specialist position and no local is available to fill the spot.
The Hurricanes said Ferreira will be available for Friday night's match against Otago Highlanders in Wellington.