Injury-hit Canterbury call in Mathewson
Former All Black halfback Alby Mathewson has joined Canterbury as injury cover for Mitchell Drummond.
With Drummond out of the national provincial competition for the rest of the season after breaking his leg during a training session last week, Mathewson joins fellow halfbacks Ere Enari and Jack Stratton in the squad.
Canterbury didn’t miss a beat without Drummond in their 63-7 dismantling of Hawke’s Bay last weekend, but Mathewson’s experience will no doubt be helpful down the stretch.
In addition to playing four test matches for the All Blacks, the 30-year-old has notched 133 Super Rugby caps with the Hurricanes, Blues and Western Force since 2007.
Mathewson has also previously played for Wellington, Auckland and most recently Hawke’s Bay (2013) in the NPC.
Canterbury coach Scott Robertson said Mathewson would be a welcome addition to the squad due to his skill set and experience.
‘‘It is hugely disappointing to lose Mitchell Drummond to injury for the rest of the season, particularly when he’s been playing as well as he has,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘But we are really excited to be able to bring Alby into the group and know that he will have a really positive contribution to make with his immense experience as a player.’’
Mathewson joined the team on Wednesday and could debut for the red and blacks when they play Manawatu in Palmerston North on Saturday afternoon.