The Chiefs have announced they have signed prop Pauliasi Manu
for next season to replace injured prop Josh Hohneck.
Hohneck badly damaged his ankle in a farming accident while
drenching cattle. The extent of Hohneck's injury and the
predicted rehabilitation length means he will not be fit to
play Super Rugby for the 2013 season but plans to reappear in
2014.
Coach Dave Rennie said: "This is hugely disappointing for us
and Josh. He's a top man and made a big impression on us last
season. However we have found an excellent replacement in
Pauliasi Manu."
Manu had initially signed with the Melbourne Rebels but
through their medical processes was thought to have a
previous neck condition.
Further investigations and multiple opinions by Manu's ITM
Cup doctor and Chiefs' doctor James McGarvey and the NZRU
medical director Dr Ian Murphy have cleared Pauliasi
completely fit to play.
"After Josh's injury we were in the market for a prop and to
get one with his experience was ideal for us," Rennie said.
"Different organisations have varying medical processes, but
we are very comfortable with the high level of investigations
that have taken place in New Zealand, including that of a
spinal specialist which have all cleared Pauliasi fit."
Manu is a member of the Auckland ITM Cup team and played for
the Blues in 2011 and 2012. He joins the Chiefs team for
their first day together on Monday.
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