Rugby: Weepu poised for Blues switch

Piri Weepus is set to join Ma'a Nonu at the Blues for the 2012 season. Photo / Getty Images

Piri Weepu is set to announce he will join the Blues Super 15 franchise for the 2012 season.

It has been reported by 3news that Blues have signed the 46 test All Black on a one- year deal for the 2012 season.

He has been secured to play in the number ten jersey, which has been left vacant with the departure of Stephen Brett to Japan.

He will also act as backup halfback to another former Hurricane, Alby Mathewson who moved to Auckland to get more game-time as it was Weepu who kept him on the bench in the windy city.

Weepu's signature is a double blow to the capital franchise after his Hurricanes teammate Ma'a Nonu also announced last month that he will move to the city of sails for the 2012 season.

"I know all the coaches, Mark [Hammett] and Alama [Ieremia] and Richard [Watt] were bloody keen to keep Piri in Wellington and they told him that", said Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni.

"He has had a good offer from us for the past month, but he's made a decision to play elsewhere."

Weepu has played for Wellington since 2003 and the Hurricanes since 2004.

- Herald online