North Harbour sign Jarrad Hoeata

Former All Black Jarrad Hoeata is returning to New Zealand after inking a deal with North Harbour. The union that they had secured a deal with the 33-year-old, who played three tests for the All Blacks in 2011.

Hoeata, a lock-loose forward, played 66 games for Taranaki, 52 for the Highlanders and nine for the New Zealand Maori before inking a three-year contract with the Cardiff Blues in 2014.

But with his deal expired, he was ready to return home.

Hoeata is the third major pick-up for North Harbour. They have already locked in Waikato and Chiefs outside back Shaun Stevenson, who opted to return to the province he grew up in.

It was a similar story for Manawatu and Hurricanes prop Chris Eves. The 29-year-old made his provincial debut for North Harbour in 2008 before heading overseas.

In 2013 he made his mark with Manawatu where he has played 30 games and has racked up more than 50 games for the Hurricanes.