Maori All Blacks lock Isaia Walker-Leawere makes shock URC move

Benetton Rugby have pulled off a transfer coup after securing the signature of Hurricanes mainstay and All Blacks XV and Maori All Blacks lock Isaia Walker-Leawere on a one-year deal, with the option to extend for a further season .

The 122kg, 1.99m tall, who won the Junior World Cup with New Zealand in 2017, has spent the last 10 years in Wellington,

He made his debut for the Wellington Lions in 2016, before becoming the youngest player to join the Hurricanes squad, aged just 19.

Walker-Leawere has made 79 appearances for the Hurricanes and scored two tries, while also playing 39 games in the NPC for Hawke’s Bay.

The physically imposing and athletic player is the son of Kele Leawere, who capped his remarkable career by scoring a try in the victory over Wales at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, where he captained Fiji.

“We are delighted to welcome Isaia Walker-Leawere to Benetton Rugby,” said club president Antonio Pavanello.

“He brings exceptional physical and technical qualities, developed in one of the world’s most competitive environments, New Zealand.

“Isaia is a commanding second row, highly effective in the lineout and capable of making an impact in open play thanks to his physicality and mobility.

“In addition to his athleticism, he comes from a rugby school that guarantees solid fundamentals, discipline, and game intelligence.

“His experience with the Hurricanes, Maori All Blacks, and All Black XV is testament to the value of his career and the level at which he is accustomed to competing.

“We are confident that Isaia can make a significant impact on our second row, adding depth, leadership, and quality to the unit.

“At the same time, we believe that Benetton Rugby represents the ideal environment for him to enthusiastically embark on his first European experience and continue to grow within our sporting project.”

Commenting on his move, Walker-Leawere said: ” I’m incredibly excited to join Benetton Rugby and begin this new chapter in my career.

“The opportunity to move to Italy and represent such a prestigious club in the URC and EPCR is something I’m looking forward to with great excitement.

“This move is also a great experience for me and my family, and we can’t wait to live our new life in Treviso.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Hurricanes and the Hawke’s Bay Magpies for everything they’ve done for me. Both organisations have played a fundamental role in my development, both as a player and as a person, and I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received.

“I remain fully focused on the final part of the Super Rugby season and am excited for what lies ahead with Benetton Rugby.”