NSW Waratahs lock Sam Lousi is changing Super Rugby allegiance, signing for New Zealand’s Hurricanes until the end of 2018.
The former Warriors rugby league forward will return across the Tasman to play for Wellington in this year’s national provincial championship.
“It was a very hard decision to make, as the Waratahs have given me the opportunity and I have enjoyed my time there,” he said.
“When the opportunity came along to join the Hurricanes and move home it was too hard to turn down.”
The Auckland-born 24-year-old, brother of Warrior Sione Lousi, made three NRL appearances off the bench.
He switched codes to join the Waratahs ahead of the 2015 season but was then hampered by injury.
Lousi has been used mainly as an impact player and the Hurricanes got a close-up look at him in their 28-17 win over the Waratahs last weekend, when he came on midway through the second half.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd sees the 1.99m and 128kg Lousi as an exciting prospect.
“Sam is a big, powerful man and has a lot of raw potential, so we’re looking forward to helping him develop his game,” he said.
“I’m sure he’ll fit in really well at the Hurricanes.”
samalavich
Roar Rookie
yeah i also recall hearing that buk. with any luck he'll be trucking along building in the lower levels earning his stripes.
samalavich
Roar Rookie
will be interesting to see how he goes - as mentioned earlier - have not been too impressed with him so far but with a new environment perhaps he can step it up
samalavich
Roar Rookie
not sure about desperately short of 8s i reckon blade thompson would be a pretty handy back up now VV is leaving- has fajita played there aswell?
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Taylorman: Another prospect gone and they WILL make something of him. We are desperately short of No 8's and I could see the potential in him. We will all be 'ah!welling' in a couple of seasons. What suggestions has anyone on the Roar got for our lack of a quality No 8? Hint - If you think we have one already you are struggling against reality!
Boz the Younger
Guest
He is playing for the Melville Rugby Club in Hamilton.
Digby
Roar Guru
He is TM.
Mason
Guest
He also says the are stealing our players, don't cherry pick parts of a post to suit your argument! "Damn, its bad enough losing rugby talent to them Heathens from the NH but now the two-heads from over the ditch are stealing them also." It' easier to misquote someone isn't it ? You can't hedge a bet both ways
taylorman
Roar Guru
Is he with the Lions Digger?
Digby
Roar Guru
Yes, it is an interesting pick EJ. Looking forward to ITM to see how he goes. Plumtree will be good for him too I hope.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I differ. I'd take the younger of the two who has shown far more potential to date. Both have plenty of upside. But Lousi has yet to show anything at all if we are being honest. That may change in the coming years. But much like his League career, I fear his Rugby career will have few highlights.
Buk
Guest
A bit of a side issue - anyone know how Will Skelton's younger brother is progressing? I recall he went to the Chiefs on a contract for 2 or 3 years, but have not hear anything of his progress.
ben
Guest
Tell you what...i would rather have Lousi than Skelton. Lousi is raw and has potential. Skelton has......a big body.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Or, maybe now he'll thrive...?
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Anybody else want to raise the obvious? The fact Thugby Fan uses the phrase "bring their boys home" suggests he is well aware of the origins of Lousi. Good luck at the Canes mate.
Paul
Guest
Meh, he's being disappointing anyway. No great loss. Hopefully now we can focus on getting a proper lock.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Good to see a few return flight tickets being used now and then....Auckland has an airport too for any more of you homesick boys?
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Typical Waratahs: don't give a player enough chances until they leave.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Haha you might have a point Shane.
Mason
Guest
So a player excited about returning home, to the country of his birth where he was raised is stealing from Australia.....
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Aaah, not sure how an NZ team signing a player born in NZ, who played league in NZ until 2015 qualifies as 'stealing'.