Taranaki back-row joins Hurricanes

Editor

Taranaki back-row Iopu Iopu-Aso has secured a Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes until the end of 2016.

Taranaki back-row Iopu Iopu-Aso has secured a Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes until the end of 2016.

The Auckland born 23-year-old will join the Wellington-based franchise on the back of a strong 2014 ITM Cup season.

Also a former New Zealand Sevens representative, Iopu-Aso has previously worked with Hurricanes assistant coach Clark Laidlaw in both the Taranaki Rugby environment, and at the province’s Spotswood club.

Laidlaw said Iopu-Aso was a skilful player with a physical presence and speed to match, and believed he would have no trouble transferring those skills to super rugby.

“He’s really starting to make his mark in the Taranaki team and realise his own potential, so we’re excited to help him make that next step in his career,” he told the Hurricanes’ official website.

“With Jack (Lam) and Faifili (Levave) heading offshore, we think Iopu will slot in nicely alongside some of our more experienced guys in that loose forward area.”

The full Hurricanes squad will be announced towards the end of this month.