The man with one of the most famous beards in New Zealand rugby is hoping for a seamless transition into the Northland provincial team after signing for the 2011 season.
Jack McPhee's wild red beard has earned him as much notoriety as his no-holds-barred approach on the field and the utility
back will add depth to an already talented Northland backline.
McPhee played at fullback for North Harbour last year, but Northland coach Adriaan Ferris said he will cover a number of positions for the Taniwha during the ITM Cup.
"We've already got some excellent options at fullback with Jared Payne and Lachie Munro but for me, Jack will help us prepare for the unexpected. For example, if Jared keeps on playing the way he has been, he may come into the All Black equation and we need to be prepared if he does," he said.
The 24-year-old McPhee can play first and second five-eighth, as well as on the wing and in the busy 2011 ITM Cup schedule that will give the Northland coach added experience and depth in those positions.
McPhee arrived in Whangarei yesterday and is looking forward to starting his Northland season with his first club rugby match for new club Hora Hora on Saturday.
"It's going to be a fresh start for me, which is a good thing, it's good to have fresh challenges to take aim at ... moving to Northland has been good for players like Lachie Munro and it's good to be a part of a team who play like Northland do - they play good rugby," he said.
He admits his knowledge of Whangarei and Northland is scant but says he is a quick learner.
"I've only ever been here a couple of times playing rugby so I'm looking forward to living up here. It's all new ground for me," he said.
McPhee had a good season for Harbour last year and he had expected to continue playing there this season, but after former Harbour player Liam Barry took over from outgoing coaches Jeff Wilson and Craig Dowd, the future began to look uncertain.
"A lot of us thought we'd be playing again, but when the new coach came they started talking about money and not wanting to re-sign players yet, so quite a few guys started looking elsewhere," McPhee said.
As soon as he came onto the market Northland declared an interest and soon came to an agreement with McPhee.
The man with one of the most famous beards in New Zealand rugby is hoping for a seamless transition into the Northland provincial team after signing for the 2011 season.
Jack McPhee's wild red beard has earned him as much notoriety as his no-holds-barred approach on the field and the utility
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