Rugby: Masoe to play for Wellington

Taranaki and Hurricanes loose forward Chris Masoe has signed to play his provincial rugby for Wellington for 2006 and 2007.

Masoe, an All Blacks triallist and a member of the Junior All Blacks this year, said the decision to change provincial allegiance was the most difficult of his career.

A pivotal reason was Wellington's role as the base of the Hurricanes' Super 12 franchise.

Wellington already have rich stocks of loose forwards, including All Blacks Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo, as well as Ben Herring.