Blues sign Black & Gatland for 2018

The Blues signed two young flyhalves with Otere Black and Bryn Gatland for the 2018 Super Rugby competition.

Black, 22, who played for the New Zealand Maoris and New Zealand Under-20s, has been part of the Hurricanes for two years as a back-up to Beauden Barrett.

Gatland, also 22, was a key part of North Harbour’s success in the Mitre 10 Cup and played four times for the Blues as a replacement this season. He also played for the NZ Provincial Barbarians in the tour opener against the British and Irish Lions.

Black has signed until 2019 and Gatland for one year.

Blues Head Coach Tana Umaga said the acquisition of two young players to partner outstanding prospect Stephen Perofeta is exciting for the club.

“Otere is a young player of considerable talent. I had the pleasure of coaching him with the New Zealand Under-20s at the World Cup where he played a big part in that win,” Umaga said.

“Bryn impressed us when he came into the Blues this year with his ability and a level of maturity beyond his years. He showed with his performance against the Lions that he can rise to the big occasion.”

Black has played 31 times for Manawatu and 17 caps for the Hurricanes, has decided to move to the Blues to further his career opportunities.

The opportunities for inside backs have come with Piers Francis, who returned home to play for Northampton Saints and Hawkes Bay first-five Ihaia West moving south to replace Black at the Hurricanes.