Leinster sign Maori All Black

Editor

Leinster have confirmed that Maori All Blacks lock Hayden Triggs has signed a contract with the province until the end of the PRO12 campaign.

The 33-year-old Wellington native, who has been capped nine times by the Maoris, arrived at Leinster today having been granted a work permit.

The former Army mechanic, has played 64 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes, the Highlanders, the Chiefs and most recently the Blues where he played on 24 occasions since joining in 2014. Prior to joining the Blues he played with Honda Heat in Japan. He has scored ten Super Rugby tries.

"Hayden brings a wealth of experience to the squad at a time when we have a large chunk of our squad away at the Rugby World Cup. We look forward to welcoming him into the group in the next day or so," said head coach Leo Cullen.

Triggs' arrival could not come at a better time as Cullen also confirmed that another second-row option had been ruled out until February.

"Mick Kearney returned to play with Clontarf the weekend before last and unfortunately has injured his toe again. He has had surgery and will be out until the new year. It is a terrible blow for Mick personally who has applied himself brilliantly since his arrival and was performing very well in training," he said.

"Obviously with the news that Rhys and now Mike have been added to the Irish squad, Hayden's arrival is timely. Tom Denton, Ross Molony, Tadhg Beirne and Gavin Thornbury have all been pushing hard to get in the team and Hayden will add some good experience and further competition for places."