Rugby: Former All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder rejected hurricanes to join Highlanders

Nehe Milner-Skudder has turned down an offer to return to the Hurricanes in favor of a contract with the Highlanders.

The Manawatu wing burst onto the Super Rugby scene in 2015, helping the Hurricanes to the grand final and earning a spot on the 2015 All Blacks World Cup team.

Milner-Skudder scored six attempts in the tournament, including one in the final against Australia, and was named World Rugby Player of the Year.

Unfortunately, the versatile sprinter has been hampered by a series of frustrating injuries in the elapsed time and played just five more test games for New Zealand.

He signed with Toulon in December 2018 in order to join the French club after the 2019 Super Rugby season.

But a recurring shoulder injury and the appearance of Covid-19 have prevented that from happening.

“We had a contract offer in front of him, but he decided he wanted to go to the Highlanders,” said Hurricanes coach Jason Holland.

“He took a look at all the advantages and disadvantages on both sides and decided it was better for Nehe Milner-Skudder to be in the Highlanders.”

“That was Skudz’s decision and he had to do what was best for him,” said Holland.

The five New Zealand Super Rugby teams will meet next week to begin preparations for Super Rugby Aotearoa.

The Highlanders will welcome the Chiefs to open the competition on Saturday, June 13. Milner-Skudder’s first opportunity to face his former team will be on July 12 in Wellington.