Hawke's Bay loose forward Gareth Evans has signed with the Hurricanes for the next two years.
The 25-year-old will join the defending Investec Super Rugby champions after spending the past four seasons with the Highlanders.
Evans, who attended Napier Boys' High School before heading south to study, said he was excited about the opportunity to play all of his rugby in his home region.
"I was schooled in the Hurricanes region, my brother played for the club, and my family are nearby in the Hawke's Bay, so there is a natural connection there.
"I've heard great things about the environment at the Hurricanes and the club's results over the past few seasons speak for themselves. I'm already looking forward to getting stuck in to the preseason for the 2018 season."
Evans shifted south to attend Otago University in Dunedin in 2010 where he quickly earned selection for the Otago provincial side and on the back of his consistent form earned his first Investec Super Rugby contract, with the Highlanders in 2014.
Over the past four years he's clocked up 43 Investec Super Rugby matches and helped the Highlanders to their first title in 2015.
However, in 2014 he shifted his provincial rugby allegiance from Otago to Hawke's Bay and, after completing his degree in environmental management, felt the time was now right to make a similar move at Investec Super Rugby level.
Evans' older brother Bryn played 25 matches for the Hurricanes between 2009 and 2011, and was capped twice for the All Blacks as a lock against France in 2009.
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said Evans was an exciting addition to the squad.
"I was involved with Gareth at age grade level and he has always had an outstanding attitude and a great work ethic. Those traits have been evident throughout his career I have no doubt they will continue at the Hurricanes."
PLAYER PROFILE:
Name: Gareth Evans
Position: Loose forward
Age: 25
Born: Hastings
Height: 1.90m
Weight: 105kg
Educated: Napier Boys' High School
Playing career: Otago (2011-13), Hawke's Bay (2014-2017), Highlanders (2014-2017), Hurricanes (2018-19)
