26 Nov 2014

Former AB Elliott returning to Chiefs

1:42 pm on 26 November 2014

The former Chiefs and All Blacks hooker Hika Elliot will re-join the Super Rugby franchise as a pre-season replacement for Nathan Harris when the side officially assembles on Thursday.

Hika Elliott. ITM Cup provincial rugby. Harbour v Counties, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland.

Hika Elliott. ITM Cup provincial rugby. Harbour v Counties, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Last season Nathan Harris replaced Elliot when he suffered a neck injury.

Now in an ironic turn of events, Elliot will replace Harris who is currently recovering from ankle surgery.

Harris damaged his left ankle during the All Blacks' match against the USA Eagles in Chicago and is expected to be out of rugby for six months.

Elliot has been medically cleared to play and is looking forward to rejoining his Chiefs family 12 months after his neck surgery. The hooker's injury occurred on the Maori All Blacks' end of year tour in 2013.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says Elliott is in great shape and keen to get back into pre-season training so they're rapt to have him back.

Elliott played for Poverty Bay in the provincial championship.

Three other players will also train with the Chiefs on interim contracts. These include Counties Manukau prop Jarrod Firth, New Zealand under-20 loose forward James Tucker from Waikato, and Maori All Black Mitchell Crosswell from Taranaki, who will join training once he finishes his exams.

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