Nehe Milner-Skudder turned down a chance to represent his former Super team
Nehe Milner-Skudder has turned down an offer to return to the Hurricanes in favour of a contract with the Highlanders.
The Manawatu wing burst onto the Super Rugby scene in 2015, helping the Hurricanes to the grand final and earning a place in the All Blacks 2015 World Cup squad.
Milner-Skudder scored six tries at the tournament – including one in the final against Australia – and was named World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Unfortunately the versatile speedster has been hampered by a frustrating run of injuries in the time since and played just five more test matches for New Zealand.
He signed with Toulon in December 2018 with a view to joining the French club following the 2019 Super Rugby season.
But a recurring shoulder injury and the onset of Covid-19 has prevented that from happening.
"We had a contract offer in front of him, but he decided he wanted to go to the Highlanders," said Hurricanes coach Jason Holland.
"He had a look at all the plusses and minuses of both sides and he decided it was best for Nehe Milner-Skudder to be at the Highlanders.
"That was Skudz's call and he had to do what was best for him," said Holland.
New Zealand's five Super Rugby sides will reassemble next week to begin preparations for Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The Highlanders will host the Chiefs to open the competition on Saturday June 13. Milner-Skudder's first chance to face his former side will come on July 12 in Wellington.
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SACK HIM !
Go to commentsSafas are so triggered by Ireland. 3 consecutive losses, incl RWC. 8 losses out of last 12 Tests. Always excuses, of course, with Bok fans. Now Rassie with his “88%” nonsense, the Claytons Excuse is an embarrassment to Bok teams of the past when every test mattered. Their fickle mojo will be on edge for the Ireland tour. Have the referees been appointed yet ? They will need security. Have WR laid out strict guidelines for TMO’s and replays on the stadium screens ? Will the constant stoppages from Bok forwards for cramps and bootlaces be tolerated ? We’re not talking a dominant Springbok team here, they won the LOTTO Cup and they know it whether they admit it or not. The Disney doco has their fans positively fermenting internally, its going to be a nasty hangover if they get beaten on home soil. What will the excuses be then……
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