The struggling Highlanders have recruited former All Blacks No.8 Mose Tuiali’i for the remainder of their Super Rugby campaign.
Tuiali’i, who has been playing club rugby in Japan, was lured south by Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph as a direct replacement for No.8 Nasi Manu, whose season was ended by a foot injury.
The 32-year-old started in five of his nine Tests from 2004 to 2006 and was part of victorious Super Rugby campaigns with the Crusaders in 2005, 2006 and 2008.
He joins a Highlanders side who have lost their first five games to be in last place. Their losing streak stretches back eight games after a poor end to their 2012 campaign.
Joseph, who had a lengthy playing career in Japan, has turned to that country to fill several gaps in his Highlanders roster this year.
Other experienced players to have had stints in the Japanese club game are Neil Brew, 34, and Tamati Ellison, 30, Jake Paringatai, 32, and Brad Thorn, 38.
The Highlanders face the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
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