Canes hope to bolster lock stocks with Ferreira
The Hurricanes are looking to South Africa to bolster their depleted second-row stock, with experienced Lions lock Andries Ferreira being targeted to replace the injured Sam Lousi.
The Super Rugby franchise confirmed reports out of South Africa around their interest in the 28-year-old journeyman second-rower who is off contract with the Lions.
South African newspaper Rapport reported that Ferreira had elected not to renew his contract with the Lions and the Hurricanes looked set to be the beneficiaries.
A Hurricanes spokesman confirmed to talks were ongoing with the 1.97m, 120kg South African but that nothing had been finalised yet in terms of a contract.
Ferreira has been a standout performer for the Lions in recent seasons and had been part of their pre-season buildup this year. He was out of contract, though, after negotiations had been held up because of injury concerns.
The Hurricanes are in the market for an experienced lock to replace Lousi, who is out longterm while he recovers from surgery on a ruptured pectoral muscle.
They currently have Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell and Isaia Walker-Leawere covering the position, but are looking for a hardened campaigner with some size to replace Lousi.
Compounding matters is the desire from the national coaches to see All Black Vaea Fifita play as much as possible at No 6. Fifita played his first game of the season at the weekend for the Hurricanes development side.
SARugbymag.co.za reported that Ferreira had been pursued by both the Hurricanes and Highlanders, with Canes coach John Plumtree’s South African connections thought to be instrumental in his signing.
It is understood that visa issues are the main stumbling block in holding up his signing being made official.