The Hurricanes have announced the signings of scrum-halves Jamie Booth and Jonathan Taumateine ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season.
Both have agreed two-year contracts with
the franchise as they look to replace Richard Judd and Finlay Christie, who
have left for Japan and the Blues respectively.
Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree is delighted
to have both in the squad ahead of next season and believes they will both add quality
to the side.
“We’ve seen Jamie continue to develop his game while he has been in Japan and he performed really well under some trying circumstances at times. Jonathan is a player who we think has real potential to develop at a fast pace. He’s a young player who has already shown considerable talent,” he said.
Booth joins from the Sunwolves however, he is no stranger to the Hurricanes set-up having previously been a member of their wider training squad in 2016 and making eight appearances for them in 2018.
The 24-year-old has returned to New Zealand
and is currently playing for Manawatu in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Meanwhile Taumateine comes in have previously represented fellow New Zealand based franchise the Chiefs before going on to impress in the Counties Manukau team.
He has also represented both Samoa and New
Zealand at U20’s level and at only 22 his rise will surely continue.
Both signings are made all the more impressive by the fact that they have taken them from other Super Rugby franchises meaning they have not only strengthened their team but weakened others.
