Rugby: Weepu off to wide Blues yonder

Piri Weepu. Photo / Getty Images

Reports emerged last night that Piri Weepu has quit the Hurricanes and will be joining the Blues.

The All Black halfback has been deliberating his future for several weeks after a turbulent season with the Hurricanes which saw Andrew Hore and Ma'a Nonu moved on. The Hurricanes made him an offer but Weepu is believed to have rejected the deal and will instead shift north to team up with Nonu in Auckland.

A move would bolster the Blues but could create tension - Alby Mathewson left the Hurricanes two years ago because he was frustrated at being stuck behind Weepu.

Mathewson has established himself as a key figure at the Blues and won four All Black caps. It is possible that Weepu is being considered more as a first five who can cover halfback than the other way around, as the Blues only have 20-year-old Gareth Anscombe at No10.

Whatever position he ends up playing, the Blues will be delighted if they've snared a player they have chased for several seasons. Coach Pat Lam believes that strength in depth is critical in the expanded competition.

The Blues struggled at times during the season when their injury toll mounted. Some of that was due to having to call on relatively inexperienced players not quite up to the required level.

Weepu's arrival would give the Blues a formidable look and ample choice. It could be strengthened further if Sonny Bill Williams decides to join as well - with the big midfielder battling to decide between the Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues.

Some may legitimately wonder how the Blues can afford so much quality and whether it is in the best interests of New Zealand rugby to have so many All Blacks stacked in one team.

The Blues have been arguing that if players want to come, they want to come. Since Lam took over, the franchise has stated a goal to try to change the perception of the Blues and make it a squad that players wanted to play for - rather than one they saw as a stepping-stone.

Improved performances in 2010 and 2011 have built confidence with recruits Mathewson and Stephen Brett talking in glowing terms about the lifestyle available in Auckland.

Weepu's shift will also throw the Hurricanes into deeper gloom after a dismal season where they played poorly and were obviously riddled with tension. With Nonu, Aaron Cruden going too, the next question is whether Hosea Gear will stay.

He is being chased by the Highlanders and with so many of his team-mates committing elsewhere, he too might make the jump and play in Dunedin next season.