Scotland international Hugh Blake moves to Bay of Plenty

Scotland international Hugh Blake has signed for the Bay of Plenty Steamers ahead of the upcoming Mitre 10 Cup.

The 23-year-old flanker moves to the New Zealand side from Glasgow Warriors, where he made just three appearances.

Having previously represented the Baby Blacks, New Zealand's U20 side, the move offers the chance for Blake to return home.

"I was born in Tauranga and spent my early years growing up in Pongakawa," he said.

"It's great to come back especially with my mum's family still being based here, so there is plenty of support."

Blake attended the University of Otago and played for Dunedin during his time there, scoring one try in 16 appearances.

Edinburgh signed him ahead of the 2014-15 Guinness PRO 12 season but he failed to make an impact and signed for the Warriors on an initial loan before making the move permanent.

His grandparents moved from Glasgow to New Zealand in the 1950s, hence his eligibility to represent Scotland. He was named in the Scotland squad for the 2015 Six Nations Championship before winning his first cap in a friendly against Ireland in 2015.

He has since represented Scotland's Sevens team but now views this next step as a fresh challenge. 

"I am hoping to come back to play some good New Zealand fifteen a-side running footie, and stoked to take this opportunity," he said.

Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers said: "It is always pleasing when we can bring back Bay players. Hugh is a very talented loose forward."