Mehrtens off to Harlequins, confirms NZRU

Andrew Mehrtens

Andrew Mehrtens is off to play in Britain and has signed up with Harlequins, the NZRU has confirmed.

He has signed a two-year deal.


The confirmation came after a club source earlier backed up rumours but declined to say how long the former All Blacks first five-eighth, still regarded as one of the best pivots by international opponents, has signed for.

He said Mehrtens was now engaged and was looking forward to a new start in Britain.

Mehrtens is expected to play his farewell match in Canterbury's opening Ranfurly Shield defence of the year against Marlborough next Wednesday.

New Zealanders Simon Maling, Steven So'oialo and Ace Tiatia played for the club in the past season.

Mehrtens, the highest points scorers in the Super 12 rugby competition, strenuously denied he had signed with the Harlequins in April.

His longtime Canterbury, Crusaders and All Blacks teammate Justin Marshall announced recently he would be joining Leeds at the end of the Lions tour.

Another Crusader Dave Hewett and Blues Carlos Spencer will also be playing their rugby in Britain later this year.

The NZRU confirmed the move in a statement issued late this afternoon.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said Mehrtens was a class act who would be synonymous with Canterbury and Crusaders rugby forever.

Deans said everyone would have their own special memory of Mehrten's time in the red and black jersey but for him there were two that stood out.

"There was the penalty against Otago in'94 that meant the Ranfurly Shield stayed in Canterbury and the kick against the Brumbies in 2000 that won us the Super 12 final for the third consecutive year.

"It's very rare for a player to have such a significant impact on the game for such a long period of time, so Mehrts longevity must be praised."

- NZPA