NMS says no to Canes, joins Highlanders
Nehe Milner-Skudder is a Highlander for the 2020 and 2021 Super Rugby seasons.
The Highlanders yesterday confirmed the signing of the former All Blacks and Hurricanes wing in a deal that will add significant X-factor and experience to their back line.
‘‘I’ve heard some unreal things about the club and the culture at the Highlanders,’’ Milner-Skudder said.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to the move to Dunedin and embracing everything it has to offer.
‘‘I’m excited for this new opportunity and can’t wait to get into some mahi with the boys and lace up the boots for the Highlanders.’’
The Highlanders also announced that
Otago star Vilimoni
Koroi will join the franchise immediately, now that his Olympic All
Blacks Sevens duties have been suspended.
Highlanders head coach Aaron
Mauger welcomed Milner-Skudder’s arrival, saying: ‘‘This was a great opportunity to include a player with his experience into our squad.
‘‘His style of play suits the way the Highlanders play the game, especially under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and we look forward to welcoming him into the team.’’
The Highlanders have lost three backs, Tevita Nabura, Thomas Umaga Jensen and Connor Garden Bachop, to season-ending injuries this year, which allowed Milner-Skudder and Koroi to join the squad.
Earlier yesterday, Hurricanes coach Jason Holland told Newstalk ZB that Milner-Skudder had turned down the Hurricanes to shift south.
‘‘We had a contract offer in front of him, but he decided he wanted to go to the Highlanders,’’ Holland said.
‘‘He had a look at all the plusses and minuses of both sides and he decided it was best for Nehe Milner-Skudder to be at the Highlanders. That was Skudz’s call and he had to do what was best for him.’’