Phew ... just when things were starting to look grim for the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team in 2017 Hurricane Ben May signs for another two years.
Magpies co-coach Craig Philpott was thrilled to announce Maori All Black May's signing yesterday. It came on the same day fellow co-coach Danny Lee announced his departure and weeks after May's fellow Canes Mark Abbott and Ricky Riccitelli announced their departures.
"Ben was one of our best performers last year. He is a seasoned professional who is playing his best footy at the back end of his career," Philpott said.
"He really enjoyed his time with us last year and is keen to help our young frontrowers Mason Kean, Tim Farrell and Pouri Rakete-Stones push for Magpies contracts," Philpott said.
May, 33, is expected to be in the Hurricanes 23 when the team to take on the Brumbies at Napier's McLean Park on Friday night is announced today. His ability to play both sides of the scrum is a huge plus for the Magpies.