Rugby: Taranaki trio sign with 'Canes

Jason Eaton. Photo / Getty Images

Veteran lock Jason Eaton, halfback Chris Smylie and new recruit James Marshall have all signed with the Hurricanes for next season, taking the total number of contracted players to 26 for 2013.

The 78-cap Eaton had a standout season for the Hurricanes in 2012, starting all but one match.

"I really enjoyed this past year with the Hurricanes so I'm very happy to be re-signing with the franchise. I am looking forward to building on last year's efforts with the `Canes,'' the former All Black said.

Chris Smylie was cruelly ruled out last season after suffering a shoulder injury in their final pre-season match.

A new face to Hurricanes fans will be James Marshall, but the versatile five-eight and fullback has a strong resume for a 23-year-old.

He previously represented before shifting north to Taranaki, spent a season with Aironi in Italy in 2010/11 and has played for the New Zealand Sevens team.

A member of the Hurricanes wider training group in 2011, Marshall is looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to test myself at the next level. It's been a goal of mine for a while now and to achieve it with the Hurricanes is a dream result.''