Two players with links to Fiji have been chosen for the Hurricanes squad.
They are Salesi Rayasi and Isaia Walker Leawere.
New Zealand Sevens player Salesi Rayasi is one of six new faces added to the Hurricanes squad for the 2019 Super Rugby season.
He made his debut for the New Zealand 7s team in Hong Kong this year and is the son of Filipe Rayasi who was capped 13 times for Fiji between 1994 and 1997.
The 22-year-old says is looking to learn more about his craft from star backs Nehe Milner‑Skudder, Ben Lam and Wes Goosen.
Isaia Leawere is the son of former Flying Fijians captain, Kele Leawere.
Other players joining the Hurricanes next season are Wellington midfielder Billy Proctor, former Highlanders first‑five Fletcher Smith, former Crusaders loose forward Heiden Bedwell‑Curtis, Wellington flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi and Manawat_ utility forward Liam Mitchell.
The Hurricanes are set to assemble on November 29th.
Hurricanes 2019 squad:
Backs:
Outside backs: Jordie Barrett (Taranaki), Ben Lam (Wellington), Jonah Lowe (Hawke's Bay), Nehe Milner‑Skudder (Manawatu), James Marshall, Salesi Rayasi (Auckland).
Midfield backs: Vince Aso (Auckland), Wes Goosen (Wellington), Ngani Laumape (Manawatu), Billy Proctor (Wellington), Matt Proctor (Wellington).
First‑fives: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Jackson Garden‑Bachop (Wellington), Fletcher Smith (Waikato).
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie (Tasman), Richard Judd (Bay of Plenty), TJ Perenara (Wellington).
Forwards:
Loose forwards: Heiden Bedwell‑Curtis, Gareth Evans (Hawke's Bay), Vaea Fifita (Wellington), Sam Henwood (Counties Manukau), Du'Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury), Ardie Savea (Wellington).
Locks: James Blackwell (Wellington), Geoff Cridge (Hawke's Bay), Sam Lousi (Wellington), Liam Mitchell (Manawatu), Isaia Walker‑Leawere (Wellington).
Props: Fraser Armstrong (Manawatu), Chris Eves (North Harbour), Alex Fidow (Wellington), Ben May (Hawke's Bay), Toby Smith (Waikato), Jeff To'omaga‑Allen (Wellington).
Hookers: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Dane Coles (Wellington), Ricky Riccitelli (Taranaki).
[Source:TVNZ]
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