Rugby: Black re-signs with Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have re-signed first five-eighth Otere Black for a further two years.

The 20-year-old Manawatu Turbo was part of the side's wider training group this year and ended up playing four matches in his first season, scoring 17 points.

Despite fielding significant interest from at least three other New Zealand Super Rugby teams, Black said it was at the Hurricanes where he wanted to continue developing his game.

"I've always wanted to be a part of this club and it was awesome to be given a few opportunities this year. I loved every minute of it and am hoping for more to come over these next couple of years," he said.

"It's such an awesome environment to be immersed in and there's a great bunch of guys here who all want to work for each other, so I'm really looking forward to remaining a part of that."

Black's signature was an important one for the Hurricanes who could be without Beauden Barrett for part of next season if Barrett decides to push for a spot in the New Zealand sevens team that will head to the Rio Olympics.

The recruitment drive will continue for the Hurricanes who recently added former Blues midfielder Pita Ahki to their ranks. They will need more backline cover given Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will move offshore after this year's World Cup, while wing Julian Savea may also play sevens in 2016.

It's been a memorable year for Black, who steered the New Zealand under-20 side to a world championship title last month. He was also named in the New Zealand Maori side and will travel with the team to Fiji this week.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Black was an outstanding young prospect with a huge future.

"Otere steered the New Zealand under-20s to their first finals victory in four years, he played a significant part in Manawatu's ITM Cup Championship and promotion to the Premiership, and he'll work in tandem with Beauden over the next couple of years to hopefully do the same for our club."

Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni said the re-signing was fantastic news for the club and its future.

"Otere could have chosen to go to any of the clubs in New Zealand because he is the ideal combination of an extremely talented No 10, and a fine young man."

 

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