Rugby: Highlanders sign former Hurricane Ellison

Former All Black Tamati Ellison joins his good friend Hosea Gear in the Highlanders outfit next year. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders have added another significant piece to their squad with the signing of former All Black Tamati Ellison on a two-year deal.

A week after claiming the No 1 recruiting prize of outstanding winger Hosea Gear, the franchise has added a talented, light-footed midfield back to the mix.

The added bonus is that Ellison will settle in Dunedin to play his provincial rugby for Otago.

Like Gear, Ellison has had a long association with Highlanders' coach Jamie Joseph with both Wellington and New Zealand Maori.

Ellison (28) played one test for the All Blacks in 2009.

He and Highlanders' fullback Ben Smith each made their debut against Italy and appeared against Barbarians.

Tamati Ellison was a 2006 Commonwealth Games sevens' gold medallist and was a regular member of the Hurricanes for five seasons before heading to Japan to play for the Ricoh Black Rams last year.

"We're really excited. It's a big signing for us," Joseph told the Otago Daily Times today. (Monday)

"He was an All Black, and he covers a lot of positions. He's got experience and he gives us some real firepower in our backline and some good depth."

The Highlanders have also recently re-signed centre Kendrick Lynn, an ever-present in their resurgent 2011 season, as well as captain and prop Jamie Mackintosh.