Rugby: Isaac Ross heads north

Isaac Ross. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Former All Blacks lock Isaac Ross will play his Super rugby in Hamilton next year.

The Chiefs today announced they had secured the 2.01m tall Canterbury lock, who played for the Crusaders during the past three years, for the first Super 15 competition.

"We are delighted with Isaac Ross coming to the Chiefs," Chiefs coach Ian Foster said.

"It gives us a strong depth in the locking area with Craig Clarke, Culum Retallick and new signing Hayden Triggs, which is going to be vital when going into a 16-game competition.

"He is an experienced footballer at a provincial, Super rugby and international level and he has impressed us with his desire to improve his game."

Ross debuted for Canterbury in 2006 and has to date played 46 matches for the province. He played his first match for the Crusaders in 2007 and made his All Blacks debut last year against France, but has since fallen out of favour with the All Blacks' coaches.

"I am really excited about the move up north as this is a good change for me," Ross said.

"I've heard Fozzie (Foster) is a great coach and I'm looking forward to working with him along with players such as Liam Messam, who I've come through most of the national age grades with and played with in the New Zealand Maori with this year."

Ross joins former Highlanders lock Triggs and former Hurricanes flanker Scott Waldrom as the latest additions to the Chiefs squad.

- NZPA