Rugby: May signs for two more years

Ben May is back with the Magpies for the next two seasons. Photo/File

Phew ... just when things were starting to look grim for the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team in 2017 Hurricane Ben May signs for another two years.

Magpies co-coach Craig Philpott was thrilled to announce Maori All Black May's signing yesterday. It came on the same day fellow co-coach Danny Lee announced his departure and weeks after May's fellow Canes Mark Abbott and Ricky Riccitelli announced their departures.

"Ben was one of our best performers last year. He is a seasoned professional who is playing his best footy at the back end of his career," Philpott said.

"He really enjoyed his time with us last year and is keen to help our young frontrowers Mason Kean, Tim Farrell and Pouri Rakete-Stones push for Magpies contracts," Philpott said.

May, 33, is expected to be in the Hurricanes 23 when the team to take on the Brumbies at Napier's McLean Park on Friday night is announced today. His ability to play both sides of the scrum is a huge plus for the Magpies.

Before linking up with the Magpies last year May played for Nelson Bays, Tasman, Waikato and Wellington. When he combined with Riccitelli and captain Ash Dixon in the Magpies frontrow last season it was never bettered at scrum time.

He played Super Rugby for the Crusaders and Chiefs before signing with the Canes and in 2013 played for the Fukuoka Sanix Blues in Japan. May was an influential figure in the Canes first Super Rugby title success last year and has been a consistent performer for the team again this season.

Last year he was also in the Maori All Black team which toured the northern hemisphere. Dixon captained the side which also included fellow Magpies Brad Weber and Ihaia West.