Rugby: Four players sign with Highlanders

Adam Thomson has yet to re-sign with the Highlanders.

The Highlanders have made four new signings but don't appear any closer to retaining the services of loose forward Adam Thomson.

Wellington midfielder Shaun Treeby, Taranaki loose forward Jarrad Hoeata, and Manawatu's Aaron Smith and Nick Crosswell will all head south next season.

However coach Jamie Joseph is still in the dark when it comes Thomson, who is mulling over a move north to the Crusaders.

Joseph says he hasn't even talked to Thomson so he has no idea what his plans are.

A standout centenary series for the New Zealand Maori has handed Aaron Smith a contract.

Joseph says Smith showed he could more than compete at the required level. He says against England and Ireland the pressure was on and he was a standout.

The four new signings join Canterbury first five Colin Slade on Joseph's list of newbies for 2011.

- NEWSTALK ZB