The Hurricanes have signed former Crusaders and New Zealand Maori midfielder Tim Bateman for next year's Super Rugby competition.
The 24-year-old Bateman has played 35 games for the Crusaders and has been playing in Japan for the past two years.
The Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett says Bateman offers versatility, being able to play second-five, centre and first-five eighth.
The Hurricanes have plenty of backline gaps to fill with All Black backs Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden and Hosea Gear all leaving the franchise, along with hooker Andrew Hore.
