In another blow for the dwindling Highlanders, former All Blacks utility Tamati Ellison has jumped ship to join the Melbourne Rebels for the next Super Rugby season.
The four-test All Black played for the Highlanders last season and will join the Rebels on a one-year deal, following the completion of his season with the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan.
Born in Wellington, the 30-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2005, and has gone on to represent both the Hurricanes and the Highlanders, with a total of 77 Super caps.