New signing a Mauger gain for Magpies

Hawkes Bay rugby officials are toasting another major signing - former All Black midfielder Nathan Mauger.

The older brother of All Black second five-eighths Aaron Mauger will arrive in the Bay next week and will be available for the Magpies' pre-NPC match against Manawatu in Palmerston North on May 31.

"It's awesome to get a player of Nathan's experience and calibre. You should see the smile on Konia's face," Magpies coach Brendon Ratcliffe said yesterday, referring to his assistant coach George Konia.

"Having George here makes it easier to attract top quality midfield backs ... they realise he has a lot to offer," Ratcliffe said.

"Nathan will add considerable experience, pace and strength to the backline and we're delighted he sees the Kelt Capital Magpies as a good playing option. He is very determined to play Super rugby again and sees our environment as a good vehicle for that," Ratcliffe said.

Mauger's signing is timely, as former Highlander and Blues midfielder Jason Shoemark will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury suffered four weeks ago.

Mauger, 28, who has just completed his first season with the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan, played two games for the 2001 All Blacks on a tour of Britain and Argentina. He played the last of his 38 games for Canterbury in 2003.

Ratcliffe said Shoemark would remain closely involved with the Magpies and would have an analysis role with the team.

Mauger will take Shoemark's place in the Taradale side.

- HAWKES BAY TODAY