Auckland look to Japan to fill Braid void
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:15
The Blues and Auckland have moved quickly to cover the loss of their veteran All Black flank, Daniel Braid, and have secured a former Highlander currently playing on the Japanese circuit.
Former Highlanders No.7, Josh Blackie, has signed with Auckland on a two-year contract, and will be available for the Blues Super 14 campaign in 2009.
Blues coach Pat Lam affirmed the loose forward as a great signing for the region, although lamented Braid as a "huge loss" for the Blues.
Blackie is currently playing for Kobe Steel in Japan, and will return to New Zealand early next year at the end of his current season.
