Hurricanes lock joins Kiwi exodus

Hurricanes lock Michael Fatialofa has become the latest New Zealander to announce a move north, confirming his signing with Aviva Premiership side Worcester Warriors on Thursday.

Fatialofa has taken up a two-year deal with the English side and will join the club at the conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup season.

“Michael is an absolutely outstanding player,” said Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons in a statement. “It’s massive for the club to bring him here to Sixways.”

The 25-year-old Fatialofa is excited to play in the northern hemisphere.

“I’m very excited about making the move to England and testing myself in the Northern Hemisphere competitions,” said Fatialofa.

“The Hurricanes are an amazing club and I’m 100 percent committed to giving everything I have to them this season, before arriving at Worcester and starting a new challenge.”

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Fatialofa is still going to be a key player for the 2018 campaign.

“Michael has been an integral part of the squad during his time at the club, especially in 2016 when we won the title,” he said in a statement.

“His form that season played a big part in our title win and we know he would like to be part of another memorable season and have a big hand in it.

“In saying that, we will wish him all the best for his future at Worcester when the time comes.”