Marty Banks signs with Japanese club

Former Highlanders and Hurricanes flyhalf Marty Banks has signed on with a Japanese club after one season in the Pro14 with Italian strugglers Benneton.

Banks will join the now second-tier sideNTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, after they were demoted from the Top League in January after losing a promotion-relegation match against Hino Red Dolphins. The Red Hurricanes will be coached next season by former All Black Mike Brewer.

Banks has scored 83 points for Benneton who have managed 9 wins and 9 losses this season. He is ranked 31st out of kickers in the Pro 14 competition, currently kicking at 67.57%.

The cult-hero won a Super Rugby title with the Highlanders in 2015 before leaving New Zealand rugby to join the Pro14 in 2017.