The New South Wales Waratahs lock Sam Lousi has signed a two and half year deal with Hurricanes and Wellington Lions through to the end of 2018.
The 24-year-old will head to Wellington at the conclusion of the Waratahs Super Rugby campaign and play for the Lions during the national provincial competition.
The Auckland born Lousi is a former Warriors rugby league player and at 1.99m and 128kg, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Lousi is "a big, powerful player with plenty of raw potential".
New Hurricanes signing NSW Waratahs lock Sam Lousi Photo: Photosport
"We're looking forward to helping him develop his game. I'm sure he'll fit in really well at the Hurricanes."
Lousi said it was a difficult decision to leave the Waratahs as they had given him his initial Super rugby opportunity.
"When the opportunity came along to join the Hurricanes and move home it was too hard to turn down. I'm excited to be part of the team next season and also look forward to furthering my career."
Lousi played three NRL games for the Warriors between 2012 and 2014 and is the brother of current Warriors player Sione Lousi,
He switched codes last year and joined the Waratahs where he has played mainly as an impact over the past two seasons.
