Tuipulotu goes south

Wellington Rugby have signed up Auckland second five-eighths Tane Tuipulotu for two years.

The former New Zealand Colt will be accompanied south by fullback Shannon Paku, who has decided to return to Wellington after limited opportunities at Auckland.

Wellington have an abundance of midfield backs - Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Pita Alatini.

However, Wellington Rugby chief executive officer Malcolm Holmes said coaches John Plumtree and Chris Boyd wanted more depth at second five-eighths because of Paul Steinmetz's end-of-season departure to Ireland.

"They want depth at second-five and Tane will give us that," Holmes said.