The Hurricanes have lost yet another All Black with winger Hosea Gear joining the Highlanders in next year's Super rugby competition.
The 27-year-old Gear, was widely considered the unluckiest player to miss out on selection in the All Blacks world cup squad and had been considering a move overseas but has opted to stay in New Zealand in a bid to add to his eight tests.
Gear has a strong relationship with Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, from when the former All Blacks flanker was New Zealand Maori and Wellington provincial coach.
He becomes the fifth recent All Black to leave the Hurricanes since the end of the Super rugby season amid moves by coach Mark Hammett to overhaul the struggling franchise.
In June, Hammett told mid fielder Ma'a Nonu and team captain Andrew Hore they were not a part of his plans for next year's Super rugby season.
Hammett has since lost halfback Piri Weepu, who will join Nonu at the Auckland-based Blues next season, while first five Aaron Cruden has moved to the Waikato-based Chiefs.
Props John Schwalger and Neemia Tialata have also left the franchise moving to France while loose forward Rodney So-oialo, who missed most of the Super season with injury, is going to Japan.
