Former Highlanders captain Josh Blackie is coming home - but won't be playing in a Higlanders or Otago jersey.
Blackie has signed a two-year contract with the New Zealand and Auckland unions and will play for the Blues in next year's Super 14.
The talented openside flanker has been playing in Japan since last year. He grew frustrated of waiting for an opportunity to gain All Black selection, with his path blocked by the incomparable Richie McCaw.
Blackie (29) will play out the season with Kobe Steel and then join the Blues.
A Junior All Black and talented sevens player, Blackie played 55 games for the Highlanders
and 73 for Otago.
The Blues need an openside flanker following Daniel Braid's departure to the Reds.
And with Marty Holah and Chris Masoe also gone or going, Blackie could find his All Black dream very much alive again.
