Rugby: Delany on his way to Highlanders

Mike Delany. Photo / Getty Images.

The Highlanders look set to sign former All Blacks first five-eighths Mike Delany to help ease their injury crisis.

The Highlanders have already lost Colin Slade (broken leg) and Lima Sopoaga (broken scapula) to long-term injuries and had only Chris Noakes as a recognised No 10 in their defeat of the Rebels on Friday night.

Delany, who has plenty of Super Rugby experience having played for both the Chiefs and the Highlanders, is in his off-season with Japanese club side Panasonic Wild Knights and has reportedly signed for the rest of the Super Rugby season. He played one test against Italy on the All Blacks' 2009 end-of-year tour.

A Highlanders spokesperson told Radio Sport they expect to announce a replacement next week.