Rugby: Highlanders bring in injury cover

Former Highlanders Mike Delany and Hale T-Pole have both joined the Dunedin-based franchise as cover for the injury-hit squad.

Delany, a Highlander in 2008 has been playing rugby in Japan and will cover first-five eight, following serious injuries to both Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga.

Delany played 10 games for the Highlanders in 2008 before heading to the Chiefs in 2009, where he made 22 appearances over three seasons before heading to Japan at the end of the 2011 season.

Delany was selected for the All Blacks in 2010 and played one test match against Italy in Milan.

A former Otago and Southland representative, T-Pole has joined the squad as temporary cover for loose forward John Hardie, who has sustained a season-ending foot injury.

T-Pole made his debut for the Highlanders in 2004 against the Cats and then went on to play 19 games for the Highlanders between 2004 and 2007. He has been playing in Japan since 2008, most recently for the Ricoh Black Rams.

T-Pole has played a couple of club games for Pirates in the past couple of weeks, and his contract is for an initial three week period.