Rugby: Filipo set to leave Wellington

Wellington lock Ross Filipo is tipped to join Canterbury for next year's Air NZ Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Former All Black lock Ross Filipo is tipped to transfer from Wellington to Canterbury for next year's Air New Zealand Cup.

Players have until tomorrow to confirm their transfers before the New Zealand Rugby Union deadline closes.

Filipo has spent the past few years splitting time between the two cities playing for the Lions in the Air New Zealand Cup and the Crusaders in the Super14.

Wellington teammate Thomas Waldrom will also hand in a transfer request, tipped to join either Canterbury or Auckland.

Meanwhile, South African lock Johan Snyman replaces Matt Egan to bring more power to Hawke's Bay around the ruck in their final Air New Zealand Cup rugby match against Bay of Plenty.

In the backs, the experience of Aayden Clarke is preferred at first five ahead of Dan Waenga.

A decision on the fitness of flanker Karl Lowe will be made tomorrow morning as a pinched nerve in his back has kept him from training all week.

- NEWSTALK ZB