Hawke's Bay sign more players

Hawke's Bay's trawl for rugby talent netted more fish today with another five players confirmed for the province for next season.

Otago's Hayden Pedersen, Wellington's Matt Egan and Justin Wilson and Waikato front row forwards David Briggs and Jamie Muir have joined Hawke's Bay for the inaugural NPC premier competition.

Outside backs Wilson and Pedersen are both members of the New Zealand sevens squad.

Hawke's Bay had earlier signed former All Blacks halfback Danny Lee and fellow Otago and Highlanders recruit Jason Shoemark.

Hawke's Bay chief executive Mike Bishop welcomed the signings.

"They all bring new offerings to our existing squad, including experience at a higher level, along with size and pace.

"We are now playing in a higher quality competition and we need to ensure key areas are well covered depth wise." Bishop said.

Hawke's Bay coach Brendon Ratcliffe said it was important for the province to attract new talent.

In addition to the above signings, Bishop also said the union had contracted another three players pending an ability to transfer them during a proposed transfer window in mid-2006.

- NZPA