Scott Hamilton is relishing contributing to the Leicester Tigers cause when he joins up with the English Premiership side in November.
Player will link up with former team-mate Mauger at Welford Road
Scott Hamilton is looking forward to contributing to the Leicester Tigers cause when he joins up with the Guinness Premiership side in November.
The 28-year-old, who can play on the wing or at full-back, has confirmed he will leave New Zealand at the end of the Air New Zealand Cup competition to join the Tigers on a two-year deal.
He will link up with former Canterbury and Crusaders team-mate Aaron Mauger at Welford Road and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Hamilton said: "It's great to have Aaron over there.
Big say
"He's captain there now and has a big say in the club which has enjoyed some success so I'm looking forward to contributing to their cause once this season is over."
Hamilton played two Tests for New Zealand in 2006 against Argentina in Buenos Aires and against South Africa in Wellington.
"Other highlights were winning three Super rugby titles, the Ranfurly Shield twice, and the NPC (the National Provincial Championship, in 2004)," added Hamilton.
"I probably wouldn't have had as much success if I'd been with another province. We're a close bunch here and we all live pretty close together in Christchurch so it's been great off the field too."
Hamilton will be sorely missed when he leaves, said Canterbury assistant coach John Haggart.
Consistent performer
"Scott has been such a reliable and consistent performer for Canterbury and the Crusaders over the years that it's inevitable he will leave a huge hole," he said.
The player, who made his provincial debut in 2002 against Marlborough, will take part in his 71st game for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup match against Hawke's Bay in Christchurch on Saturday.
He has played 58 times for the Crusaders, scoring 105 points (21 tries), after making his Super rugby debut against the Hurricanes in 2003. He was part of the side that won the 2005 Super 12 and the Super 14 titles in 2006 and 2008.
