Centre Robbie Fruean has completed a deal to join Bath, reuniting with his former Canterbury Crusaders coaches Todd Blackadder and Tabai Matson.
The 28-year-old will move to the UK after his finishing his commitments with Hawke's Bay in the national provincial championship.
The 2007 IRB world under-19 player of theyear excelled in New Zealand's junior ranks, but was then blighted by both illness and injury.
Fruean rebuilt his career making more than 60 appearances for the Crusaders under Blackadder and Matson's tutelage, and now the trio will link back up again at the Recreation Ground.
"We are really excited that Robbie has agreed to join us here at Bath," said Bath rugby director Blackadder.
"Tabai (Matson, Bath head coach) and I know him very well from his time at the Crusaders, and he is the kind of player we know will fit right in with the squad we have here, both on and off the field."
