Daniel Kirkpatrick signs on with Magpies

The Magpies have lured promising young five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick back to Hawke's Bay for this year's national provincial championship campaign.

Kirkpatrick, who has been playing his rugby in Wellington the last couple of years, is one of three significant signings announced by the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union today.

Kirkpatrick and Lions team-mate Anthony Perenise, a tighthead prop, have been picked up from Wellington, and Tasman Makos halfback Kahn Fotuali'i has joined them in strengthening the Magpies squad which was a beaten semifinalists in last year's competition.

Kirkpatrick is playing his Super 14 rugby this year for the Blues, Perenise for the Hurricanes and Fotuali'i is in the Crusaders squad.

The union also confirmed 2009 All Black lock Bryn Evans and veteran loose forward Michael Johnson had recommitted for next year's campaign.

"These signings will add considerable strength and depth to our 2010 squad," said co-coach Tom Coventry. 

Kirkpatrick, rated one of New Zealand's most promising young five-eighths, replaces long-time stalwart Matt Berquist who is heading to play his rugby overseas at the end of the Super 14.

"Dan is a Hawke's Bay lad who is returning to us after the Blues' Sport Super 14 campaign," added Coventry. "Anthony had an exceptional Air NZ Cup campaign last year and is one of the form props in the country.  Having played for the Magpies in 2008, he's already very familiar to our fans and will add impressive depth to our front-row stocks.

"Kahn is a very talented halfback.  He too had an excellent Air New Zealand Cup this season."

Coventry added that the signing of such a quality trio and the retention of two key players like Evans and Johnson indicated that Hawke's Bay had established a quality rugby environment.

"We are very determined to continue our push to be a strong competitive force on the rugby landscape."

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