Blues sign Black and Gatland as West exits

The Blues have signed Otere Black and Bryn Gatland as their first-fives alongside Stephen Perofeta for next year's Super Rugby season.

Black joins from the Hurricanes after two years spent as back-up to Beauden Barrett. Gatland has been a replacement for the Blues this season.

As reported by the Herald last month, Black has signed until 2019. Gatland joins on a one-year deal.

Black and Gatland replace Piers Francis, who is heading to Northampton, and Ihaia West, who will switch places with Black and head to the Hurricanes.

West, who scored the matchwinning try in the Blues’ win over the Lions earlier this month, had put in some good cameos off the bench for Tana Umaga’s team but probably lacks the ability to set the tempo and agenda from the opening whistle.

Perofeta could be the talented, commanding No 10 the Blues have been craving for years; since the reign of Carlos Spencer in 2005. But Umaga won't want to rush him given his age (20) and more particularly his ankle injury which has cut his training and playing time.

Black could give Perofeta that time and space.

Black's opportunities under All Blacks No 10 Barrett at the Hurricanes have been limited. He has played nine matches this season but only for an average of 28 minutes per game.