JUST when we were beginning to think the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team will lack experience this season head coach Craig Philpott comes up with a couple of key signings.
Former All Blacks lock Ross Filipo and former Maori All Blacks prop Ben May, who will start for the Hurricanes against the Sharks in Wellington tonight, will play for the Magpies in this season's Mitre 10 Cup Premiership.
"With the season-ending injuries to key performers Brendon Edmonds and Michael Allardice, it was important for our Premiership title bid to replace them with similar experience and talent and Ross and Ben will add both to our playing squad," Philpott said.
"Ross has had an fine career at All Blacks, Super Rugby and provincial level in New Zealand over many years and has just won a European Championship with Racing Metro in France. Ben is a proven performer at Maori All Blacks, Super Rugby and provincial level over an extended period. Both are highly professional and will add value to our squad this year," Philpott said.
May, 33, has played for Nelson Bays, Tasman, Waikato and Wellington and was close to signing for the Magpies last year before opting to play for the Lions. He can play both sides of the scrum.