The former Auckland halfback and Northern Districts cricketer has joined Otago for the rest of the Mitre 10 Cup campaign.
Hickey played cricket at first-class level in 2013 but has concentrated on rugby in recent years.
He was part of the Auckland side in 2015-16, is quick round the field and possesses a good pass.
The 29-year-old has played in Japan and was picked for the Hurricanes for the 2019 season. But a serious shoulder injury picked up in a pre-season game ruled him out for the entire season. He never played a game for the Hurricanes.
Hickey is the older brother of Auckland first five-eighth Simon Hickey, who has just returned from playing on France.
Otago has Kayne Hammington and James Arscott as its halfbacks, with few reserve options.