The Highlanders have signed English first-five Freddie Burns for the 2023 edition of Super Rugby Pacific.
The five-cap international currently represents champion English club Leicester but will head south prior to the first round of the competition.
Beginning his first-class career in 2010, 32-year-old Burns will provide a wealth of knowledge to the Highlanders backline, with experience at Gloucester, Leicester, Bath and Japan.
Burns’ most memorable international moment came in 2012 when he replaced kicking icon Owen Farrell against the All Blacks, leading them to a 38-21 victory over New Zealand.
While he will have to compete with locals Mitch Hunt, Marty Banks and Cam Millar for a position in Clarke Dermody’s side, the new recruit says he is looking forward to experiencing a taste of Super Rugby.
“As a young lad, I grew up watching Super Rugby in the early hours of (the) morning. To have the opportunity to represent such a prestigious club as the Highlanders in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season is a huge honour,” Burns said in a media release.
“I look forward to getting started and adding to the group both on and off the field.”
Now with ample playmakers available to start at number 10, Dermody says the addition of Burns’ experience will be crucial for the season ahead.
“Having a player of Freddie’s calibre available to us in such a crucial position is a real boost for the squad,” Dermody said.
“Last year we were exposed at 10 due to a run of injuries and while we covered the situation, we were asking a lot of Sam Gilbert and Vili Koroi who are not regular starting first-fives.
“Freddie’s arrival will provide us with that extra insurance against that scenario playing out again in 2023.”
Burns is the second international to join the Highlanders in 2023 after Argentinian outside back Martin Bogado was signed late last year.
The Highlanders’ 2023 campaign will kick off on February 25 against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium.